Abstract
Inspired by Comrie (2021), we discuss a few issues related to dust
storms and Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). There is inconsistency in
the term “dust storm” as used by science communities, and the dust
data from NOAA Storm Events Database are from diverse sources,
unsuitable for assessing dust-Coccidioidomycosis relationships.
Population exposure to dust or Coccidioides needs to consider the
frequency, magnitude, duration, and spatial coverage of dust events.
Given abundant evidence that dust storms are a viable driver to
transport Coccidioides, it is in best public interest to advocate
that dust storms may put people at risk for contracting Valley fever.