This report details regional increases in coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) incidence across Arizona from 2005 to 2022. While the southwestern Sonoran Desert region, a hyperendemic area, accounted for over 95% of cases and significant absolute increases, the northern Plateaus and Mojave Desert regions experienced the largest relative increases. These northern areas, historically cooler and wetter, saw incidence rise by approximately 550% and 350% respectively. Diagnosis relies on laboratory confirmation of Coccidioides species infection. The study highlights the expanding geographical impact of this fungal infection, potentially influenced by climate change, population shifts, and increased awareness.
Key note: Coccidioidomycosis incidence is increasing significantly in historically low-incidence regions of Arizona, necessitating targeted public health messaging and ongoing investigation into contributing factors.