Valley Fever Cases Triple in El Paso Over a Decade; UTEP Study Links Surge to Extreme Heat and Dust Storms

Valley fever cases in El Paso tripled in ten years. UTEP researchers link the rise to temperatures over 102°F and intense dust events.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 8:29 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

An Escalating Public Health Crisis in the Chihuahuan Desert

Valley fever, a respiratory disease caused by inhaling spores of the soil-dwelling Coccidioides fungus, has seen a dramatic rise in West Texas. A decade-long analysis conducted by researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) reveals that reported cases in El Paso County more than tripled between 2013 and 2022. While the disease is often mild, it can lead to severe lung infections, long-term disability, and death. Because its symptoms closely mimic influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19, experts warn that the true number of infections is likely much higher than official reports suggest.

Identifying the Environmental Triggers of Infection

The research team, led by Dr. Gabriel Ibarra-Mejia and Dr. Thomas Gill, used advanced statistical modeling to determine which environmental factors most accurately predict a spike in cases. The study found that infections are not just driven by general dry conditions but by "episodic" extreme events. Specifically, a significant rise in cases was observed following months where temperatures exceeded 102°F. Additionally, peak wind gusts reaching over 64 mph were shown to disturb desert soils, lofting dormant fungal spores into the atmosphere where they can be easily inhaled by residents.

The Role of Airborne Dust and Development

Air quality plays a critical role in the transmission of Valley fever. The study found a strong correlation between high disease incidence and elevated concentrations of PM10—dust particles 10 micrometers or smaller. El Paso’s unique position in the Chihuahuan Desert makes it a natural hotspot for these particles, but human activity is exacerbating the risk. Urban expansion and land disturbance from construction sites are physical catalysts that break the soil's surface, releasing the fungus. Dr. Ibarra-Mejia noted that as the city continues to develop, the risk of exposure for vulnerable communities increases.