Lethal ‘Valley Fever’ fungal spores are set to sweep several areas in apocalyptic summer dust storms, sparking urgent warnings for millions to take cover
Apocalyptic dust storms are set to batter the US this summer, carrying a deadly hidden terror in the wind. Experts have issued a chilling health warning as toxic dust clouds prepare to sweep across at least 11 states, unleashing microscopic fungal spores that can kill.
Meteorologists warn that the worst conditions are still weeks away. Monster dust storms in the Southwest are predicted to stir up a lethal soil-dwelling fungus through September, putting millions of lives at risk of catching “valley fever.”
The horrific lung infection is triggered by breathing in invisible Coccidioides particles kicked up by ferocious desert winds.
While many suffer mild flu-like symptoms like headaches and coughs, severe cases can ravage organs and bones, proving fatal.
Illnesses are predicted to skyrocket as the North American monsoon season brings violent thunderstorms and howling winds.
The 11 main locations facing the toxic dust threat include California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Southern Wyoming are also at risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns the spores could ultimately spread across the entire western half of the US.
Alarmingly, the health agency admitted: “Some outbreaks happened in places where scientists did not expect the fungus to live.”
The terrifying weather phenomenon creates giant walls of dust, known as “haboobs,” right when the soil is at its driest.
Climate experts at AccuWeather have already warned the US could be plunged into a devastating “mini-Dust Bowl” if current weather patterns trigger a multi-year drought.
Cases of Valley fever have already exploded. A 2017 study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters noted that: “In the Southwest frequented by dust storms, the infection rate of Valley fever has mysteriously gone up more than 800 percent from 2000 to 2011.”
Scientists blame climate change for making the region drier and kicking up more dust.
Celeste Saulo, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, told BBC Science Focus: “Sand and dust storms do not just mean dirty windows and hazy skies.
“They harm the health and quality of life of millions of people and cost many millions of dollars through disruption to air and ground transport, on agriculture and on solar energy production.”
Health officials are urging locals to take immediate cover when the storms hit. The CDC advises everyone to stay indoors and lock their windows until the air clears.
To avoid the killer fungus, the Arizona Department of Health Services in Maricopa County said: “Avoid dusty areas, such as construction [and] excavation sites, as much as possible. If you can’t avoid them, wear an N95 mask or respirator while at these sites.”
Locals are also advised to hose down desert soil before moving it. Meanwhile, motorists caught in a blinding dust cloud are being told by the National Weather Service to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” by pulling off the road, shutting windows and switching to recirculating air.