Epidimiological problem in Phoenix

The main interest of the paper is to evaluate the epidemiology of valley fever in the area of Phoenix, which is classified as one of the endemic areas of the infection (‘CDC’, 2017). Valley fever, whose scientific name is Cocci is caused by a fungus, cocciddioides immitis that lives in the soil. The tiny spores causing the infection are wind borne, and when one inhales the dust carrying spores into their lungs, the infection might begin from there. As a result, engagement in dust disturbing activities such as framing, and construction are predisposing factors to this infection. After inhalation, the spores grow into multicellular structures called spherule, which continues to grow until they burst releasing endospores. Mild symptom of the infection can subside on their own, although for more serious infection medication is prescribed.

The sign and symptoms of valley fever could appear weeks after exposure and exhibit close similarity to those of flu. For the acute form the symptom is fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches and red spotty rash (Freedman et al, 2018). The acute form if not resolved, progresses to chronic stage, that could also be determined by the number of spores inhaled. The chronic stage exhibits symptom of weight loss, blood triggered sputum and nodules in the lungs. The variation could be attributed to increased awareness and instances of migration. A comparison of the incidence and prevalence of valley fever in the city of Phoenix, county of Maricopa, state of Arizona and the nationwide indicates that close to 10, 000 cases are reported yearly (‘ADHS’, 2016).

According to the CDC reports on emerging infectious diseases, 85% of reported outbreaks due to valley fever had 83% occurring in United States, with that 76% occurred in California, and 12% in Arizona. In the year of 2016 the state of Arizona recorded 6,101 cases, with the county of Maricopa 4, 392 cases. A table indicating cases of valley fever in the year of 2016 cases County Maricopa 4,392 State Arizona 6,101 Nation United States 11,000 Current Surveillance Methods The current surveillance method used is active method of surveillance. In the event of active surveillance as used in epidemiological study of valley fever, researchers visit various healthcare facilities. During the visit, the researchers review the medical records and healthcare providers to identify the rates and cases of valley fever. Epidemiological Analysis of Valley Fever The population mainly at risk of acquiring valley fever are those engaging in soils disruptive activities in the endemic region such as the valleys of California.

Environmental exposure is one main risk factor to infection by valley fever (Freedman, et al, 2018). This refers to any person who gets to inhale the spores causing valley fever. Older people have higher chances of suffering from other chronic condition, so most of them have their overall health compromised by the time they are acquiring valley fever. Another group of people who stand higher risk of infection are those who have diabetic mellitus, and or severe pulmonary disease probably due to reduced immunity. The population that can be involved in the prevention plan are those engaging in activities that disrupt the soil in region sof the hot dessert. Activities of farming and construction should be reduced in such regions (‘CDC’, 2017). The diseases create a huge financial and social impacts.

In some cases, a skin test is carried out to establish if a client has developed immunity to the fungus. Screening is done to detect the possibility of valley fever, and is mainly done on asymptomatic population with a purpose of identifying potential indicators to valley fever. Screening could test for the possibility of the protein causing the disease (John et al, 2016). The commonly used and most efficient screening technique is a simple test involving blood samples and is scientifically referred to as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (EIA). The test looks for the antibodies causing the disease. Also there is need to conduct further research on the diagnosis and treatment of valley fever. Diagnosis for valley fever takes fairly long and there is need to establish tests that could help diagnose valley fever faster.

In addition to diagnosis tests, effective treatments methods should also be established. The third evidence based strategy that could address valley fever would be to identify the area which the coccidioidies is living. The center for Disease control could employ advance molecular detection to identify the disease causing organism within the environment. The disease is common in particular groups of people such a those over 65 years of age, pregnant women, diabetic, and those who are immunosuppressed. Also some ethnic groups such as the African Americans and the Filipinos have recorded higher incidence in the past as compared to other ethnic groups. The diseases is treatable and people are encouraged to seek medical help early enough. Reference Arizona Department of Health Services {ADHS}, (2016), “Valley Fever, 2016 Annual Report”).