BAKERSFIELD- Health experts from around the country are coming together in Bakersfield Monday and Tuesday for a Valley Fever symposium led by Bakersfield Congressman Kevin McCarthy.
Valley Fever is a fungus that when inhaled causes debilitating illness and even death. The number of cases of Valley Fever is at an all time high. The numbers in California have doubled in the past 12 years.
Buttonwillow resident, Darrin Blackmon describes this past year as a battle.
"'It's a fight because, well one it's a strain on my mother. She calls everyday to see how I'm feeling. It's real mind boggling and I'm just trying to win," said Blackmon, a Valley Fever survivor.
Blackmon says his life took a turn a year ago while working in an oilfield.
"I was feeling a little light headed at work. I told my foreman, my foreman called the general foreman. I was sweating. They told me to drink some water because it was kind of hot," said Balckmon.
Later on, he drove to Kern Medical Center where doctors told him he had Valley Fever.
"What is Valley Fever? Because I heard about it from another guy. He was off (work) for a month."
Blackmon is not alone. Experts say a lack of awareness as why they're putting on a Valley Fever symposium Monday and Tuesday.
"I hope that research garners us new and improvements in the new way we use some of the drugs that we already have. The development of new drugs and the development of a vaccine," said Valley Fever researcher Dr. Royce Jonhson.
Most people don't show symptoms. But in 40% of cases, it causes flu-like symptoms or serious infections. The fungus can spread to many parts of the body like the brain and eyes, causing blindess and even death. The fungus is spread through dust that's kicked up by wind and construction.
Blackmon says he takes about a dozen pills every day to fight the infection.
"As long as you're eating and breathing you can make it. God is good," said Blackmon.
The symposium kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Monday with a reception for Valley Fever survivors at the Kern County Public Health Department.
On Tuesday, leading experts will unfold their research and what science knows so far about the fungus at Cal State Bakersfield.
Valley Fever is a fungus that when inhaled causes debilitating illness and even death. The number of cases of Valley Fever is at an all time high. The numbers in California have doubled in the past 12 years.
Buttonwillow resident, Darrin Blackmon describes this past year as a battle.
"'It's a fight because, well one it's a strain on my mother. She calls everyday to see how I'm feeling. It's real mind boggling and I'm just trying to win," said Blackmon, a Valley Fever survivor.
Blackmon says his life took a turn a year ago while working in an oilfield.
"I was feeling a little light headed at work. I told my foreman, my foreman called the general foreman. I was sweating. They told me to drink some water because it was kind of hot," said Balckmon.
Later on, he drove to Kern Medical Center where doctors told him he had Valley Fever.
"What is Valley Fever? Because I heard about it from another guy. He was off (work) for a month."
Blackmon is not alone. Experts say a lack of awareness as why they're putting on a Valley Fever symposium Monday and Tuesday.
"I hope that research garners us new and improvements in the new way we use some of the drugs that we already have. The development of new drugs and the development of a vaccine," said Valley Fever researcher Dr. Royce Jonhson.
Most people don't show symptoms. But in 40% of cases, it causes flu-like symptoms or serious infections. The fungus can spread to many parts of the body like the brain and eyes, causing blindess and even death. The fungus is spread through dust that's kicked up by wind and construction.
Blackmon says he takes about a dozen pills every day to fight the infection.
"As long as you're eating and breathing you can make it. God is good," said Blackmon.
The symposium kicks off at 4:30 p.m. Monday with a reception for Valley Fever survivors at the Kern County Public Health Department.
On Tuesday, leading experts will unfold their research and what science knows so far about the fungus at Cal State Bakersfield.