![Mountains in the background of a forested valley with a dirt road running through it.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i0.wp.com/calmatters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/011222-Tehachapi-Mountains-JL-CM-19.jpg?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1)
Health
A soil fungus that can kill is on the rise in California: What to know about Valley fever
About 80 Californians die every year after contracting Valley fever, a fungal disease that typically affects the lungs. A recent outbreak was traced to a music festival in Kern County.