Valley fever, caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores found in Arizona soil, remains a significant yet underdiagnosed health concern. Rural and tribal communities face heightened risks, with Native Americans experiencing more severe complications at disproportionately high rates. Despite Valley fever accounting for up to one-third of pneumonia cases in Southern Arizona, testing is often overlooked, delaying diagnosis by an average of a month. This webinar will help primary care clinicians improve recognition and management of Valley fever, with expert insights from Dr. John Galgiani, Director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence, who will also address clinical questions.
Outcome Objectives:
• Describe Valley fever epidemiology, clinical presentation, and risk factors.
• Discuss Valley fever diagnosis, treatment, and management in rural primary care settings.
PRESENTER
Rebecca Foley, DNP, FNP-BC, MPH;
Family Nurse Practitioner;
Valley Fever Center of Excellence;
College of Medicine - Tucson
John N. Galgiani, MD;
Director, Valley Fever Center of Excellence;
Professor, Medicine and Immunobiology,;
College of Medicine - Tucson;
Professor, BIO5 Institute;
University of Arizon
