Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the lungs. The disease is caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, which are endemic to certain areas of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Other synonyms for valley fever include desert fever, San Joaquin fever, and California fever. The symptoms of valley fever can range from flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia, and in rare cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, causing skin lesions, bone and joint infections, and meningitis. While there is no specific cure for valley fever, antifungal medication can be prescribed to treat the infection.