Construction workers are getting sick with valley fever in Riverside County. Why are cases up?

Construction workers should keep an eye on their health in Riverside County.

The area is on track to have more people sick with valley fever than last year, according to public health officials, who want residents to be on alert now because the peak of the season is still ahead.

Valley fever has been steadily rising in the county and across the state over the last decade. It’s typically associated with the Central Valley, but it does show up in Southern California’s urban areas. Here’s what you should know.

What is Valley Fever?

 Valley fever is a respiratory disease that’s caused by the Coccidioides fungus, a natural organism that grows in some soil and dirt areas. People who work or spend time in dusty environments are most at risk.

The disease is caught by inhaling spores that