BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Valley Fever has been on the rise over the past few years in Kern County and Public Health Officials will give us a look at the data collected for 2018.

On Wednesday, they plan to hold a conference to show how many people were diagnosed with Valley Fever.

Valley Fever has been on the rise over the past few years here in Kern County.

Valley Fever is caused by a fungus that lives in the dirt and soil here in Kern County and can be contracted by breathing it in. People who are infected with Valley Fever can develop a fever cough, rashes and severe infections can impact the brain, vital organs and even lead to death.

According to the Kern County Department of Public Health, 2017 saw the highest number of Valley Fever Cases in over a decade with more than 2,900 people being diagnosed.

The conference will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Public Health Building in East Bakersfield.