please type the answer https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/valley-fever-h
ID: 100688 • Letter: P
Question
please type the answer
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/valley-fever-hotter-wind/
Read the article "Valley Fever Blowing on a Hotter Wind” and answer the following questions. 1) What is valley fever, and what are the symptoms? 2) Where is it most prevalent? 3) Why do scientists believe the rates of valley fever are rising? 4) What environmental factors contribute to the spread of the spores that cause it? 5) What are some ways to prevent valley fever? In addition, post replies to at least two responses from others in the class.
Explanation / Answer
1) New weather conditions- hotter temperatures and more intense dust storms fueled by global warming are creating perfect condition for the growth of coccidioidomycosis which is called valley fever and it is a fungal disease endemic in the region of southwestern United States.
2) The cocci spores are spread by the winds and are inhaled along with the soil particles. People who have less immune power develop flu like symptoms that can lead to pneumonia. If the infection persists, then pathogens attack any particular organ mainly the nervous system, skin, bones and joints which may prove fatal. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.
3) The disease is most prevalant in the southwestern United States region mostly Arizona's Sonoran desert, California and Mexico.
4) The rate of valley fever is rising due to global warming which increases the airborne dust and sandstorms. The spore casing is able to resist high temperature and UV light. Climate changes and the population growth which is leading to greater number of aged people with lower immunity are also responsible for the rise of the disease.
5) Environmental factors such as high temperature with alternating wet periods enhances the fungal growth. During hot climatic conditions, most of the organisms die but the fungal spore is able to survive due its protective outer cocoon. With lesser vegetation, the risk of sandstorms increases. In wet conditions, the fungus grows freely without any competition. In addition to that, earthquakes and landslides also increases the widespread of the disease.
6) Valley fever may be prevented by developing vaccines and drugs against the fungus. Other preventive measure include the establishment of the sand dust warning system to forecast duststorms.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.