The California Department of Public Health is warning attendees of the Lightning in a Bottle music festival that they may have been exposed to a deadly fungus. The festival took place in Buena Vista Lake from May 21 to 25.
Health officials have identified five cases of valley fever linked to the festival. Three people developed severe symptoms and had to be hospitalized.
Symptoms of valley fever include cough, fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
"While the event occurred two months ago and mild cases of Valley fever might have already resolved, other patients with more long-term or severe disease may still be symptomatic or undiagnosed," the CDPH said in a press release.
The fungal infection is not contagious and is spread when soil containing the fungus is disturbed.
Festival attendee Kyle Lewis told the San Francisco Chronicle he started feeling sick after the festival and had to undergo surgery.
"It's had a huge impact on my life," Lewis said.
"I lost 40 pounds with this sickness, and the muscle weakness has hit me the hardest," he added. "I'm not sure how long it will take to recover, but I'm hoping that being able to breathe and not get dizzy will aid in the process."
Health officials are asking attendees of the festival to fill out a voluntary survey, even if they have no symptoms, to help track the fungal infection.
Lightning in a Bottle representatives released the following statement:
"The California health department has recently made us aware that they are expecting 7000-9000 cases of Valley fever across the state this year, with 5400 already confirmed, signaling a large increase in 2024 cases due to wet weather.
This week, they reported that 5 cases may have been linked to this year’s event as part of their California’s Valley Fever Awareness Month campaign.
We prioritize the health and safety of all our patrons and are in communication with the California Department of Public Health and Kern County Public Health Department to learn more about Valley fever and any preventative measures we can take to reduce Valley fever risk for future festival events, and to make information available to this year’s attendees."