(NEXSTAR) – Cases of valley fever, a fungal disease caused by spores found within soil in (mostly) the Southwestern part of the U.S., has been rising in recent decades, prompting warnings from local health authorities.

Last month, the California Department of Public Health put out an alert reminding citizens of “high” case counts and “high” risks of infection in certain parts of the state.

“Valley fever is a serious illness that’s here to stay in California,” CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan was quoted as saying in a news release issued Aug. 14. “We want to remind Californians, travelers to California, and their healthcare providers to watch for signs and symptoms of Valley fever to help detect it early.”

It’s not just Californians that need to be wary, either

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