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Valley fever cases identified among attendees of Kern County music festival

California Department of Public Health investigating outbreak

Five people diagnosed, three hospitalized

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is investigating five cases of Valley fever among people who attended the six-day Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) festival in Kern County between May 22-27. Three of the five people have been hospitalized.

Valley fever is a fungal infection that is caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Coccidioides. The fungus is found in the soil in the southwestern United States, including California. Symptoms of Valley fever can include fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, Valley fever can lead to pneumonia or meningitis.

The CDPH is advising people who attended the EDC festival to be aware of the symptoms of Valley fever and to seek medical attention if they develop any of these symptoms.