WASHINGTON –  This week, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20), Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-01), and other members of the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force to host a roundtable discussion regarding Valley Fever treatments and ongoing vaccine developments. The roundtable included medical experts, researchers, and patient advocates to discuss the impacts of Valley Fever across the Western United States.

“Valley Fever has an enormous impact on the Central Valley, leaving thousands of people sick every single year. I’m proud to be a member of the Valley Fever Task Force to raise awareness and work toward solutions,” said Congressman Valadao. “Our task force hosted a round table with Valley Fever experts from across the country to hear about current challenges and how we can be helpful at the federal level. I look forward to continuing my work with Valley Fever Task Force Co-Chairs Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Representative David Schweikert to help find solutions to this disease and keep Central Valley families safe and healthy.”

“Great progress continues to be made toward developing better treatments and finding a cure for Valley Fever, including a vaccine for dogs that’s projected to be released next year,” said Speaker McCarthy. “But this is only the beginning. In Congress, Task Force members and I will continue supporting efforts toward development of a human vaccine. I am grateful to Congressman and Co-Chairman David Schweikert for his steadfast leadership on this issue over the years, the members of this Task Force, and all of the community advocates and researchers who continue to work toward our shared goals. We look forward to collaborating with stakeholders and colleagues across the aisle to find a cure once and for all.”

“It’s stunning to think that just 10 years ago, the American public knew little about Valley Fever and the devastating effects this disease can inflict upon our communities, particularly in Arizona. What once was misdiagnosed as cancer can now be correctly identified and treated as Valley Fever,” said Congressman Schweikert.“Now more than ever, the Valley Fever Task Force remains laser-focused on bringing awareness and streamlining resources to deliver a cure that provides much-needed relief to families, friends, and beloved pets who have suffered from this terrible disease for far too long.”

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