Visiting East side Rotarian and Valley Fever Americas Foundation (VFAF) board secretary, Sandra Larson, gave a presentation about Valley Fever.
The VFAF was founded in 1995 by Rotarians concerned about the impact of Valley Fever on our community and all endemic regions.
The coccidioides fungus is found in soil and causes infection when inhaled. People with suppressed immune systems are particularly at risk.
There is a potential cure, but because it's a relatively rare (but deadly) disease, big pharma won't put the money into bring a cure to market. A vaccine, therefore is a more likely way to prevent the disease.
Their mission is to promote awareness and raise funds to support promising research on the fungus which causes Valley Fever, in efforts to produce a vaccine and/or a cure.
Robert Purdie, a local man with a severe case of Valley Fever, discussed his own personally battle and provided more facts about the disease.
Valley Fever is a microscopic fungus that lives in dry soil and is not contagious.
Once disturbed the spore can remain airborne for months.
You cannot develop an immunity to the disease by being born and raised in an area affected by the disease.
It's hard to recognize the symptoms, often leading to misdiagnosis. The initial form is often mild, with few symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may resemble those of the flu, including fever, cough, chills, and chest pain.
In 2015 there were 1174 cases of Valley Fever.
Fun Fact: Hans E. Einstein (1923 – 2012) was the foremost authority on the lung disease Valley Fever. He lived in Bakersfield and was related to Albert Einstein.
VFAF is hosting a "Walk for Valley Fever" August 13th at Kern Pioneer Village. It gets started early- 7am to 9:30am. More information at valleyfeverwalk2016.eventbrite.com.
Good News & Announcements
It's Margarita Time! A cool and casual evening for Downtown Rotarians, family and friends. Music, drinks and taco bar will make for some great outdoor fun and fellowship. Wednesday, August 31 at 6:30pm at Lou and Sheryl Barbich's home. 3801 Claremont Street. RSVP by August 29th to Mary- 325-0696 or staff@bakersfield-rotary.com.
"Welcome back!" Ben Taft has rejoined our Rotary.
President Dave talked about the new Club Runner web site and the new "electronic" version of the Spoke newsletter. A big thanks to Dave Plivelich and Mike Willis for all their hard work in helping us bring Bakersfield Rotary into the new millennium.
Congratulations to new Paul Harris Fellows members, Brad Barnes and Jon Busby.
GUESTS
Brian Kiser, guest of Tracy Kiser
Visiting Rotarians:
Sandra Larson, East Rotary
Christy Swatzell, East Rotary
David Sullivan, East Rotary
Valley Fever survivor and speaker, Bob Purdie, with President Dave Morton.
Pat Collins put some vintage Paul Harris Fellow medallions on display.
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