Awareness and Environmental Exposures Related to Coccidioidomycosis Among Inmates at Two California Prisons, 2013

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is a major cause of illness in inmates in some California prisons. This article discusses an investigation conducted at two prisons to describe potential environmental exposures. The study did not identify modifiable risk factors; limiting the type or duration of outdoor activity in these prisons may not decrease coccidioidomycosis morbidity.

Keywords: California; Coccidioides; Valley fever; coccidioidomycosis; prisons.