(Image source from: Time to protect yourself from Valley Fever)

The second week of November is here! Marked as a Valley Fever Awareness Week, this year the health experts are cautioning the Valley residents to take stock of their health and prevent Valley fever, now that the breezy winter is close at heels.

Caused by a fungus that thrives in soil, the fever attacks when the November wind blows some of the dust in air, thereby transmitting the fungus into human body.

While those infected with this deadly fever often take to bed, some remain asymptomatic.

"Usually, it's a lung infection, but it can spread to other parts of the body, said Jessica Rigler of Arizona Department of Health Services. "If it goes into the brain, it can cause death."

As many as10,000 Arizonans fall under the grasp of this deadly fever every year.

The symptoms are mostly flu-like, however, it tends to stretch on for months unlike common cold. Influenza usually gets over in a few days time, while valley fever lingers on for months.

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury