Earthquake-Ridden Area in USA Contains Coccidioides, the Valley Fever Pathogen

Area of Science:

• Environmental microbiology
• Earthquake science
• Public health

Background:

• Major earthquakes in July 2019 near Ridgecrest and Trona, California, created large dust plumes.
• The affected region is endemic for Coccidioides, a soil-borne fungus causing pulmonary disease upon inhalation.
• Soil disturbance from seismic activity can aerosolize Coccidioides spores.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of Coccidioides in soils near Trona following the 2019 earthquakes.
• To assess the potential public health risks associated with airborne fungal pathogens after seismic events.

Main Methods:

• Soil samples were collected from areas impacted by the earthquakes.
• A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was employed to detect Coccidioides DNA.

Main Results:

• The study confirmed the presence of Coccidioides in soil samples collected near Trona.
• This is the first documented evidence of Coccidioides in this specific area.

Conclusions:

• Earthquake events in endemic regions pose a risk of Coccidioides exposure.
• First responders, the public, and healthcare providers should be aware of this risk, especially in areas with numerous fault lines.
• Future earthquake preparedness should include considerations for airborne fungal pathogen exposure.