Desert Messenger

April 6, 2016 www.DesertMessenger.com 3 DUMP THE DRUGS in Quartzsite! Do you have expired or unused medications? Dispose safely at QUARTZSITE POLICE DEPT. Mon - Fri. 8am-5pm Sponsored by QSAPC Quartzsite Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition Quartzsite Beauty Salon Perms, Colors, Haircuts. Men & Women HOURS May thru Sept. TUES 9am -7pm - WED 7am-3pm Walk Ins Welcome! 250 E. Main Street Quartzsite, AZ 928-927-6664 585 N. Central Quartzsite Open Mon-Fri 8-5 928-927-8787 Johnny DelPino, Owner BEST AUTO RV & TRUCK REPAIR SERVICE YOU CAN DEPEND ON! We sell U-HAUL BOXES By Joanne Winer Everyone who lives in or visits Quartzsite has probably heard about what they call here the "Quartzsite Crud". It starts out with congestion in your chest and coughing all the time--most people might think it is just an ordinary flu or cold coming on, but when it persists for a much longer time than a cold or flu would, you might want to get checked for Valley Fever. Valley Fever is a fungal respira- tory disease that is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidiodes. You can get it very easily just by inhaling the spores that are mi- croscopic in the air, although not everyone who breathes in the dust and dirt is affected by the fungus and doesn't get sick. The fungus lives in the soil and dust in the southwestern states of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, as well as Utah, Texas, Mexico, Central and South America and has even been found in Washing- ton state. You can get Valley Fever just by breathing in the spores, especially after there have been weather-re- lated events that stir up the dust, or from earthquakes, dust storms, or even construction areas where the dirt has been disturbed by heavy machinery. It is not con- tagious, but can cause fatigue, chronic cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, night sweats, muscle pains and aches, and also could produce a rash. The symp- toms appear from one to three weeks after you inhale the spores, and most times it will clear up in a few weeks,. There are sometimes more severe cases where is can up- grade to chronic pneumonia, and if you get this, it can last for years. In a few rare cases, the fungus infection can spread from the lungs to the rest of the body, and has been reported to cause men- ingitis of the spine and brain, or infection in your bones and joints. "Quartzsite crud" could be Valley Fever Statistically, it is worse in Arizona, with 65 percent of all the cases oc- curring in this state. Some patients are never diagnosed with the infec- tion and end up being treated for just a cold or flu. If your symptoms don't go away after a two weeks, you should get yourself checked by a doctor and tested for Valley Fever--they don't usually check for it unless you ask. In Arizona in 2011, over 15,000 cases were reported, and it is prob- ably many more. Some people get mild cases that go undiagnosed, and some are just not reported because the symptoms are so much like the flu or cold. Anyone can get Valley Fever if they live or visit a place where the fungus lives, espe- cially in the southwestern states. It is most common among older adults 60 or over, buy anyone who recently moves to these areas are also prone to getting the fungus and are at higher risk. There is also a severe form of the disease that is especially likely to develop an infection that spreads beyond the lungs, and they in- clude those who have weakened immune systems from diseases like HIV/AIDS, or have an organ transplant, or taking medications. It is also risky for pregnant women, anyone with diabetes, and for some unknown reason targets blacks or Filipinos more than other ethnic groups. If you are diagnosed with Val- ley Fever, you might have to take anti-fungal medication unless it is a very mild case. There are no over the counter remedies for this infec- tion, and you must get a diagnosis and prescription from your doctor after being tested. If it is a mild form, is should go away after just a few months without any treatment, but if it is a more severe case, you may be taking an anti-fungal medi- cation for 3-6 months. If you have been exposed to a lot of dust and wind where there is a disturbance of the ground like a hurricane, dust storm, construction area, etc., and you develop some of the symptoms on the list, or are at a higher risk factor, be sure to have your doctor test for Valley Fever-- the fast the diagnosis the more you will be informed about what to do and whether you need to take med- ication or just let it run its course. If it lingers too long undiagnosed, you may run into more problems, like meningitis, and it can be fatal if not treated. Better to be safe than sorry, and get checked by a health care provider. Most people will make a full recovery, but there is always the risk of long term dam- age if not treated when its needed. DesertMessengerNews C & B LOCK & KEY Betty Crenshaw CML Owner 41 Years Experience 928-927-6589 MOBILE SERVICE ONLY RVS AUTOS KEYLESS ENTRY MOTORCYCLES KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTES SAFES OPENED COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL Bonded - Insured BLM Approved Serving Quartzsite and Surrounding Areas

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