Health officials are trying to help spread awareness as 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect storm for Valley fever cases.

Just two years ago, according to the California Department of Public Health, there were a total of 47 confirmed Valley fever cases in San Joaquin County.

This year? As of Thursday, there are already 246 Valley fever cases – and officials say that number could be underreported.

"My illness started with a headache and it didn't go away," said Robert Purdie, a survivor of Valley fever.

Purdie says he contracted the fungal infection back in 2012 from something as simple as tending to his plants.

"The only time I spent outdoors was gardening or yard work, and that's probably where it came from: Just being outside," he said.

Valley fever, otherwise known as coccidioido

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