DefinitionCoccidioidomycosis is infection with the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis.Alternative NamesSan Joaquin Valley fever; Valley feverCauses, incidence, and risk factorsInfection is caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis. This fungus is often found in desert regions. About 60% of infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized later by a positive coccidioidin skin test.In the remaining 40% of cases, symptoms range from mild to severe. People with a compromised immune system tend to have more serious infections. Individuals with AIDS are at higher risk for lung (pulmonary) coccidioidomycosis, as well as for the disseminated (spread to many organs) and skin (cutaneous) forms of the disease.The disease can have an acute, chronic, or disseminated fo