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Could aftermath of Ridgecrest, Trona earthquakes cause spike in Valley Fever cases?

Posted at 6:49 PM, Aug 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-13 21:49:51-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It's been more than a month since the devastating series of earthquakes hit Ridgecrest and Trona.

As people work to rebuild they might have a much less obvious health concern to look out for.

Experts from the Valley Fever Institute in Kern County say since the earth shifted so much there's a chance there may be a spike in Valley Fever cases. Officials say they're basing their hypothesis on past experiences.

Dr. Royce Johnson from Valley Fever Institute said, " The Northridge earthquake clearly caused increased cases in Los Angeles county and Ventura county and we have some thought that perhaps the Ridgecrest earthquake and Trona earthquake could have produced a landslide nearby that could increase dust so that's another possible, but unusual contributing factor to possible increased cases."

Officials said it will likely take time before we know for sure.