Attendees report several cases of valley fever following California festival

As festival-goers kicked up the dust, they might have stirred up more than just good vibes.

Attendees at the Lightning in a Bottle music festival in California may have unwittingly encountered a dangerous fungal infection. The California Department of Public Health is currently investigating a number of valley fever cases linked to the event, which took place at Buena Vista Lake from May 22 -27. 

The festival had a crowd of around 20,000 and so far, five cases of valley fever have been identified among goers, three of which were severe enough to require hospitalization. Health officials believe that there are likely more unreported cases circulating among the large crowd.

Valley fever is caused by inhaling spores of the coccidioides fungus and can be contracted when soil in affected areas like California’s lower San Joaquin Valley and the Arizona desert. The soil sends spores into the air when it is disturbed and tons of it was kicked up while people were dancing at the festival. 

Symptoms can resemble the flu showing up as as fever, coughing, chest pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the lungs or cause a rash/bruising type of affect, leading to serious health complications. Antifungal treatments are available to manage symptoms.

Some festival attendees reported extreme fatigue and weakness after contracting the illness. One person needed surgery. The experience has prompted state health officials to urge anyone experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms to seek medical attention, as valley fever can be fatal in rare instances.

Despite the outbreak, tickets for the 2025 Lightning in a Bottle festival have already sold out. The event’s organizers are now working closely with health authorities to gain a better understanding of valley fever and to develop preventive measures for future festivals. They are also encouraging attendees from this year’s event to participate in a voluntary survey to help track the spread of it. With cases on the rise, exacerbated by climate change and recent wet weather, California is anticipating a significant increase in valley fever cases this year.

Featured Image Credit: Sage Thomas