I contracted Valley fever. I could have died

In October 2009, Glenn Gehlke faced a harrowing health crisis, initially diagnosed with pneumonia amid the H1N1 pandemic. His symptoms, including high fever and difficulty breathing, led to hospitalization and isolation, where doctors feared lung cancer due to a spot on his lung. After a lung biopsy, Gehlke learned he had Valley fever, a fungal infection more prevalent in arid regions. This diagnosis surprised both him and his medical team, as Valley fever is uncommon in the Bay Area. The infectious disease specialist emphasized the rarity of the condition in his demographic, highlighting the need for broader awareness among healthcare providers.

Fortunately, the infection was treatable, and they caught it before it spread. Gehlke's experience illustrates the critical importance of recognizing rare diseases in atypical locations. Increased education could save lives by ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses.