Arizona

New warning about valley fever as Arizona cases hit 13-year high

Published

1 year ago

December 21, 2024

New warning about valley fever as Arizona cases hit 13-year high

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Do you know the signs and symptoms of valley fever?

Cases hit a decade-high, and doctors want to ensure you know what to look for, especially with friends and family coming into town for the holidays.

The Arizona Department of Health Services has seen more than 14,000 cases of valley fever so far this year.

Valley fever is caused by a fungal infection. It’s not contagious, but it is often misdiagnosed and can make you very sick.

Its symptoms are the same as those of the flu or COVID-19, so many people brush it off as a virus – sometimes even doctors.

“That’s not an unusual situation where we have people visiting from out of state, and they go back to their home state, and then they develop an illness that ends up being diagnosed as valley fever,” said Dr. Wassim Ballan, an infectious disease specialist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Ballan is encouraging Arizonans to educate visiting loved ones about the illness.

“Usually, we don’t expect that there would be this awareness of valley fever outside the state of Arizona, so it’s something we want people to keep in mind,” Ballan said.

The fungus that causes valley fever is unique to southwestern soil.

According to CDC data, valley fever cases increase during hot and dry periods. The Phoenix area has not had rain in months.

“The fungus releasing, if you want to call them spores, they hang out in the air and then they get breathed in through the lungs,” Ballan said.

Ballan says about 40% of those infected get symptoms, which can worsen over time.

“They seek medical care. They get diagnosed with pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia, so they start on antibiotics, and they don’t respond. So they get on a different course of antibiotics and so on,” said Ballan.

He says many have never even heard of valley fever, especially if they aren’t from Arizona or recently moved here.

This is the case with one Valley resident, Michael, who was hiking on Friday.

“I’ve not been here that long, maybe 18 months, so I’ve still got a lot to learn, I guess,” he said.

Ballan says it’s important to stay vigilant this holiday season.

“Because valley fever can present in a similar way to other respiratory infections, that’s a good reminder to try to prevent those other infections by making sure you’re vaccinated,” he said.

You can get valley fever from hiking or being out in the desert, but also, because it’s in the air, anyone can be exposed.

Valley fever is treated with antifungal medications.

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Arizona

Where to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 10

Published

12 hours ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

Where to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 10

Baseball is back and finding what channel your favorite team is playing on has become a little bit more confusing since MLB announced plans to produce and distribute broadcasts for nearly a third of the league.

We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know Sunday as the New York Mets visit the Arizona Diamondbacks.

See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.

What time is New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks?

First pitch between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, May 10.

How to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday

All times Eastern and accurate as of Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 6:33 a.m.

Matchup: NYM at ARI
Date: Sunday, May 10
Time: 4:10 p.m. (ET)
Venue: Chase Field
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
TV: DBACKS.TV and SportsNet New York
Streaming: MLB.TV on Fubo

Watch MLB all season long with Fubo

MLB regional blackout restrictions apply

MLB scores, results

MLB scores for May 10 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:

See scores, results for all of today’s games.

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Arizona

Drowning happens in seconds, Arizona safety experts warn as triple-digit temperatures arrive this week

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Drowning happens in seconds, Arizona safety experts warn as triple-digit temperatures arrive this week

GILBERT, AZ — As temperatures climb across Arizona, safety experts and parents say so does the risk around water.

“You brought them here for a reason, and you want them to keep safe at all times, and it’s the most precious things you have. Why, why would you not pay attention to them?” Ernesto Agüero said.

Agüero’s warning comes as families across the Valley head to pools and splash pads to beat the heat.

Experts say drowning can happen silently and within seconds.

“Drowning is silent. A lot of times it goes unnoticed, but it just takes seconds,” Jay Arthur, president of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, said.

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona says while child drowning deaths are down compared to recent years, the danger is far from over as summer begins. It comes as the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona (DPCA) hosted its annual “Tapping Into Water Safety” event. The event brought together organizations like the Salt River Project (SRP) and the Phoenix Fire Department.

“You have to watch the kids with your eyes. Eye-to-eye contact is critical. You can’t be on your phone. You can’t be talking to your friend,” Arthur said.

Advocates say one of the biggest misconceptions is thinking you’ll hear someone struggling in the water. Instead, they say prevention starts before a child even gets near the pool.

“Always appoint a water watcher when you have a group of people around water, and that would be an adult that’s responsible for watching the water and they’re not on their phone,” Tanya Hughes, SRP Community Activation Strategist, said.

Families say the reminders are especially important heading into another Arizona summer.

“You want them to be safe. You want them to know how to behave when they’re in the water,” Agüero said.

Experts say designated water watchers, pool barriers and swim lessons can make the difference. They also warn that distractions like phones or conversations can quickly become dangerous.

“Seconds matter; it is really important because a child can drown in just a matter of seconds,” Arthur said.

With more families potentially spending time in the water this weekend, advocates say now is the time to prepare.

“We’re telling you, we’re trying to stop this from happening,” Arthur said.

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