Hayworth Taking Steps To Combat Valley Fever

Congressman J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) has thrown his support behind bipartisan legislation to find a cure for valley fever, which thrives in the arid climate of the Southwest &, in some cases, can be lethal.

"It's time for the federal government to step in and help develop a vaccine to prevent more cases of valley fever. While a vaccine was supposed to be created 10 years ago, we still do not have one. This is unacceptable," said Congressman Hayworth. "I am pleased to join with Chairman Bill Thomas, who comes from an area of California hard-hit by valley fever, in calling for developing a valley fever vaccine.

"Valley fever, which is often misdiagnosed, is caused by a soil fungus that grows only in parts of the southwestern U.S., including Phoenix & Tucson. Fungal spores are usually inhaled & damage the lungs. However, in some cases the spores can spread through the bloodstream to the brain, skin, & bones causing a severe infection that can result in death.

"Arizona has seen an alarming spike in the number of valley fever cases. In the 1st 4 months of this year, 2,305 cases of the infection were reported. This is a record level for valley fever infection & action must be taken now," said Congressman Hayworth.

According to the Az Dept. of Health Services, the number of reported cases in 2005 was 3,772, which increased from 1,897 in 2000. As of the end of April 2006, valley fever infections were 4 times the 5-year average for the January-April time period & more than 85% of the state's 5-year average of 2,732 cases per year.