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Counties Report More Cases Of Valley Fever

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- San Joaquin Valley communities are reporting more cases of an illness known Valley fever, especially among children, and doctors are trying to determine the cause of the increase.

   Valley fever is caused by the inhalation of a certain type of fungus spore that grows in the region's dry alkaline soil.

   Dr. Jim McCarty of Children's Hospital Central California tells the Fresno Bee that since last summer about 15 children were admitted with the disease, and some are still being treated there.

   McCarty says one child admitted Sept. 13 is still hospitalized.

   Overall, the state reported more than 4,000 cases last year, up from 2,488 in 2009.

   Kern County is the hardest hit region, with more than 2,000 reported cases in 2010, up from the 595 cases in 2009.

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