Coccidioidomycosis

/ˌkɒksɪdiɔɪdoʊmaɪˈkoʊsɪs/ noun

Definition

A serious infection caused by breathing in spores of the Coccidioides fungus, also known as valley fever or cocci.

Etymology

From 'coccidioides' (the fungus genus) plus Greek 'mykes' (fungus) plus '-osis' (condition), literally 'condition of coccidioides fungus disease'.

Kelly Says

Valley fever got its name because it was first discovered in the San Joaquin Valley of California, and it can persist in your body for years after exposure, making it a persistent reminder of a single dust storm.

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