Coccidioidomycosis-Associated Deaths in California, 2000-2013

Public Health Rep. 2016 Jul-Aug;131(4):531-5. doi: 10.1177/0033354916662210.

Abstract

The number of cases of coccidioidomycosis and associated hospitalizations increased in California during 2000-2013. During that period, a total of 1,098 death records listed coccidioidomycosis as a cause, averaging 78 deaths annually (range: 43-108). The death rate peaked in 2006 and was significantly higher among males than among females, among African American patients than among white patients, and among residents of the coccidioidomycosis-endemic region of California than among residents of the less endemic regions (p<0.001). A higher death rate was associated with increasing age and was highest (8.8 per 1 million population) among adults aged ≥75 years. Of coccidioidomycosis-associated deaths, 31.9% had a contributing cause of death of severe/disseminated disease, 31.8% of unspecified -coccidioidomycosis, and 28.3% of pulmonary unspecified coccidioidomycosis, per International Classification of Diseases codes. Diabetes was a contributing cause in 19.3% of deaths, and other immunocompromising conditions were a contributing cause in 15.9% of deaths. Populations at higher risk for coccidioidomycosis--associated deaths are similar to those at higher risk for coccidioidomycosis-associated hospitalizations and infection. Awareness for coccidioidomycosis among these groups and their providers is important for proper diagnosis and care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • California / epidemiology
  • Coccidioidomycosis / mortality*
  • Death Certificates
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged