[pct-l] Valley fever from a valley resident
Emily Hargreaves
ozzyemm at gmail.com
Wed May 8 12:38:50 CDT 2013
I grew up in kern county, where the medical community is familiar with valley fever. The saying is, if you live there long enough, you WILL get it. Most people develop flu-like symptoms, and write it off as such. They get better, life goes on. A few people are hospitalized, and even fewer die.
There is evidence that valley fever (a spore that gets into your lungs) can be found throughout California, Arizona and Nevada.
I live in Northern California now (near Chester ;)) and my friend recently had a lung biopsy done, because the doctor thought she might have cancer or some such. It was "just" valley fever. The point is, they were mistreating her, because they didn't know what was wrong. She thinks she may have gotten it while vacationing in AZ.
My non-medical advice is if you get flu-like symptoms after you leave the valley and have to go to the hospital, let the medical staff know you may have been exposed to valley fever. Valley fever does cause false positives on TB tests (I don't know the timeline though), and can be spotted with X-ray.
Sent from my iPhone (please disregard the rest of this email. I can't reliably delete from my iPhone).
On May 8, 2013, at 10:00 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
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> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. re Valley Fever (be hope)
> 2. Re: Section C info (Nicole Smith)
> 3. New danger on the PCT (Anthony Biegen)
> 4. Lost tent (william jennings)
> 5. Billy Goat (william jennings)
> 6. Ride Needed In The I-15/Cajon Junction or Wrightwood Area
> (Stephen Clark)
> 7. Re: New danger on the PCT (Nicole E. Phillips)
> 8. Re: New danger on the PCT (Terry)
> 9. sleep aids and ticks (Ron Ronron)
> 10. Re: sleep aids and ticks (Nicole E. Phillips)
> 11. 3 lost San Diego hikers...found (Reinhold Metzger)
> 12. New danger on the PCT (Reinhold Metzger)
> 13. Re: New danger on the PCT (Hank Magnuski)
> 14. ticks (JPL)
> 15. Re: ticks (Tim Gustafson)
> 16. Re: ticks (Tim Gustafson)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 10:59:55 -0700
> From: be hope <bh.csuchico at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] re Valley Fever
> To: PCT MailingList <Pct-l at backcountry.net>, Richard Skaggs
> <richard.skaggs at sbcglobal.net>
> Message-ID:
> <CAPWAYrpApE1Fo9cfxAWLn9O4hReZRqv70D4sLYdbQQaXo5_JRQ at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252
>
> Eric, thank you very much for your post.
>
> Last year I received an email from Richard Skaggs @ Hikertown asking if I
> could recommend a doctor specializing in Valley Fever as a number of people
> in Neenach had unexpectedly come down with the disease. I recommended that
> he contact Dr. Larry C. in Ridgecrest and go from there. In my email reply
> to Richard I included the following question:
>
> ?do you and your neighbors think the increased incident of Valley Fever in
> Neenach is related to the dust generated by the construction activity for
> the new wind turbine and photovoltaic farms??
>
> His answer: ?Yes.?
>
>> From the link provided by Eric to the article, a few things caught my eye:
>
> ?. . . state officials began investigating an outbreak in February that
> sickened 28 workers at two solar power plants under construction in San
> Luis Obispo County.?
>
> ?Newcomers and visitors passing through the region may also be more
> susceptible.?
>
> Hmmmmm. . . hikers are both visitors and ?newcomers?
>
>
> Hopefully someone in the medical community knows more about Valley Fever in
> Neenach and those in the Western Antelope Valley receive treatment and are
> able to cope with this debilitating disease. Perhaps the energy holding
> company entities operating in the Valley already argue that there is no
> scientific proof that they caused the problem.
>
> Will a PCTer come down with this disease this year?
>
>
> be hope
>
>
>> From: Eric Lee <saintgimp at hotmail.com>
>
>> Subject: [pct-l] Valley Fever
>
>> This was an interesting article about valley fever in California. Not sure
>
>> how much of an issue it is in the areas the PCT traverses:
>
>
> http://news.yahoo.com/fever-hits-thousands-parched-west-farm-region-20230448
> 9.htm
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 6 May 2013 17:19:18 -0700
> From: Nicole Smith <nraesmith at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] Section C info
> To: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <3BE17088-9BC9-4AFA-834B-97405AD7D51C at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> We just hiked this portion today, there is no snow. However it is raining today and may frost overnight tonight.
>
> The Burger King and Nic
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 15:09:31 -0700
> From: Anthony Biegen <ajbiegen at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] New danger on the PCT
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
> <CA+wSonvs16J0Vk2pmedcAaQ5v_rZyimHGNDBR2HfLH2LOCkjqQ at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> It's only a mater of time before Reinhold or Ned or someone else will be
> warning the noobs and Wilders about this new danger on the PCT even though
> it happened in the Pyrenees. You think it's dangerous out there when you're
> alive, wait till you are dead.
>
> http://www.livescience.com/29371-griffon-vultures-devour-hikers-body.html
>
>
> TrailHacker
>
> I can't think when I'm eaten by vultures on the PCT
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Best,
>
> Tony
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 00:03:05 +0000
> From: william jennings <mrjenn at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Lost tent
> To: PCT L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <BLU172-W17A2B9BF6E8EE493DD005ADFBB0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Tent found north of PCT junction/Mason Vally TT, about .3 towards Chariot canyon.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 00:07:56 +0000
> From: william jennings <mrjenn at hotmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Billy Goat
> To: PCT L <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <BLU172-W158221EF53F3F438FF5FB5DFBB0 at phx.gbl>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Jr. was sited on April 30-May 1st at Pioneer Mail. Had some problem with regulating his diet.
> His plans are to hike up and down Washington and similarly I-80 to Sierra City to complete some unfinished sections and probably give him 9-10 completions.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 17:58:49 -0700
> From: Stephen Clark <rowriver at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] Ride Needed In The I-15/Cajon Junction or Wrightwood
> Area
> To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <CABAzAtFd1TbCL5UYdV8mS4ABQM42Kn9VWDh7A7tQ6NE=LBzjbg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Hello List...
> I am starting a 12-14 day section hike from San Jacinto this Friday and
> will be finishing at I-15/Cajon Junction or Wrightwood on May 22 or 23rd
> (depending on weather and my new boots). I could really use a Trail Angel
> ride from this area to San Bernardino Greyhound Station or to my car at
> Cabazon. Happy to pay for fuel.
> Snake Charmer
> aka Stephen
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 21:10:23 -0400
> From: "Nicole E. Phillips" <nephils at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] New danger on the PCT
> To: Anthony Biegen <ajbiegen at gmail.com>
> Cc: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <CANFi1N6Srk-CDdptgdPoYCZkfa7sE_sEDYrpfXmx_3K1+Ttf5Q at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Not surprising or alarming. I would assume that vultures would go after
> anything dead... Particularly a human that fast, as a dead human surely
> releases a scent that is highly unique in that wilderness.
> On May 7, 2013 6:09 PM, "Anthony Biegen" <ajbiegen at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> It's only a mater of time before Reinhold or Ned or someone else will be
>> warning the noobs and Wilders about this new danger on the PCT even though
>> it happened in the Pyrenees. You think it's dangerous out there when you're
>> alive, wait till you are dead.
>>
>> http://www.livescience.com/29371-griffon-vultures-devour-hikers-body.html
>>
>>
>> TrailHacker
>>
>> I can't think when I'm eaten by vultures on the PCT
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Best,
>>
>> Tony
>> _______________________________________________
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>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 18:13:59 -0700
> From: Terry <tsparks56 at aol.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] New danger on the PCT
> To: Anthony Biegen <ajbiegen at gmail.com>
> Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <EA469B45-2516-4E29-BB77-3E5418B25481 at aol.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Dang Trailhacker, it's Alfred Hitchcock and the "Birds"!
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On May 7, 2013, at 3:09 PM, Anthony Biegen <ajbiegen at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> It's only a mater of time before Reinhold or Ned or someone else will be
>> warning the noobs and Wilders about this new danger on the PCT even though
>> it happened in the Pyrenees. You think it's dangerous out there when you're
>> alive, wait till you are dead.
>>
>> http://www.livescience.com/29371-griffon-vultures-devour-hikers-body.html
>>
>>
>> TrailHacker
>>
>> I can't think when I'm eaten by vultures on the PCT
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Best,
>>
>> Tony
>> _______________________________________________
>> Pct-L mailing list
>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
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>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 22:44:29 -0400
> From: Ron Ronron <oldlemonparty at gmail.com>
> Subject: [pct-l] sleep aids and ticks
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID:
> <CAHhVBCCEo8WRON+Y-FayPCvBKRpby9VAL1nFZ-Aq4z5QE1nFRg at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> I picked two ticks off my legs after sitting down for a min around mile 93
> a few days ago. Lyme carrying ticks are virtually if not entierly non
> existant on the PCT. There are other fun tick borne diseases though.
> Anything other than just pulling an embeded tick out may very well cause
> said tick to vomit into you and thus greatly increase the chance of
> transmitting a tick borne disease.
>
> Melatonin works well to help initiate sleep. Valerian works well to help
> maintain sleep. Calcium magnesium and potassium help the body relax. Whey
> protein helps the body relax. B complex vitamins help the body relax.
>
> Taking benadryl and/or alcohol to sleep is just dumb to me, but if it works
> keep it up. A hammer would work too.
>
> I use a powdered supplement called calm for calcium and magnesium.
> I use nativas coconut water powder for potassium.
> I use generic whey protein, melatonin, bcomplex, and valerian.
>
> I sleep like a baby except when I am unfortunate enough to be camped within
> a half mile of someone with sleep apnea. A hammer would help.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Tue, 7 May 2013 23:40:59 -0400
> From: "Nicole E. Phillips" <nephils at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] sleep aids and ticks
> To: Ron Ronron <oldlemonparty at gmail.com>
> Cc: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <CANFi1N48QuLJgj+RbDysC1T9GfqKS4hdDHfZfLRrdVfT0GJR1g at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> The Calm powder is very helpful. Somewhat expensive but I had great success
> using it before bed to help with nighttime anxiety (waking up at 2-3 am and
> not being able to shut down my brain).
> On May 7, 2013 10:44 PM, "Ron Ronron" <oldlemonparty at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I picked two ticks off my legs after sitting down for a min around mile 93
>> a few days ago. Lyme carrying ticks are virtually if not entierly non
>> existant on the PCT. There are other fun tick borne diseases though.
>> Anything other than just pulling an embeded tick out may very well cause
>> said tick to vomit into you and thus greatly increase the chance of
>> transmitting a tick borne disease.
>>
>> Melatonin works well to help initiate sleep. Valerian works well to help
>> maintain sleep. Calcium magnesium and potassium help the body relax. Whey
>> protein helps the body relax. B complex vitamins help the body relax.
>>
>> Taking benadryl and/or alcohol to sleep is just dumb to me, but if it works
>> keep it up. A hammer would work too.
>>
>> I use a powdered supplement called calm for calcium and magnesium.
>> I use nativas coconut water powder for potassium.
>> I use generic whey protein, melatonin, bcomplex, and valerian.
>>
>> I sleep like a baby except when I am unfortunate enough to be camped within
>> a half mile of someone with sleep apnea. A hammer would help.
>> _______________________________________________
>> Pct-L mailing list
>> Pct-L at backcountry.net
>> To unsubscribe, or change options visit:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>>
>> List Archives:
>> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
>> Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Tue, 07 May 2013 15:12:41 -0700
> From: Reinhold Metzger <reinholdmetzger at cox.net>
> Subject: [pct-l] 3 lost San Diego hikers...found
> To: PCT <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <51897C59.9040603 at cox.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Hi Gang,
> Three San Diego hikers, lost since Saturday, have been found today after
> spending 2 nights, illprepared for the conditions they encountered, in the
> wilderness.
> The hikers climbing San Gorgonio, Southern California's highest mountain,
> last Saturday in shorts and without overnight camping gear, with rain
> and snow
> predicted, got lost and caused a massive 2 day SR effort involving
> helicopters
> and search parties totaling 60 members.
> With rain and snow and sub freezing temperatures and no overnight gear they
> are lucky to be alive.
>
> I wonder if they would have been able to find their way out if they had
> a map
> and compass?
>
> Did I hear somebody on this list say....
> "ooohhh,...you are safer on the trail than in your own home."
> I say...perhaps if everything goes exactly as you
> anticipate.
> "ooohhh,...you don' need a map or compass."
> I say...not until you need them.... and that is when
> you really need
> them and they are worth their weight in gold...might
> even save your
> life.
> If it is the weight that causes you to go without a
> map and compass,
> leave a couple granola bars behind, and take the map
> & compass.
> Lacking a couple granola bars may cause you to lose a
> couple oz.
> of body weight.
> Lacking a map & compass may cause you to lose your life.
>
> I know the argument will be...the PCT is a established trail and easy to
> follow.
> This is true most of the time, but not all of the time and hikers do get
> lost.
> Besides, the map and compass are not really needed so much to follow the
> trail, although it is nice to know where you are at all times, then to
> guide you
> through the wilderness if you get lost or, if for some reason you must
> get off the
> trail, to show you the shortest route to civilization in case of emergency.
>
> I have hiked the Sierra since 1968 or 1969 and have "thru-hiked" the JMT
> many times and probably don't need a map or compass anymore on the JMT.
> However, I will never, and I repeat "NEVER", venture into the wilderness
> without my trusted map & compass.
>
> Like I said,...if weight is the determining factor, leave a couple
> granola bars
> behind,...but take the map and compass.
>
> JMT Reinhold
> Your map and compass strapping trail companion
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Tue, 07 May 2013 16:14:18 -0700
> From: Reinhold Metzger <reinholdmetzger at cox.net>
> Subject: [pct-l] New danger on the PCT
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID: <51898ACA.7090808 at cox.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
>
> Yes TrailHacker,
> You have to watch out for them in the Grand Canyon.
> About 10-20 years ago, on one of my Grand Canyon hikes, I saw what looked
> like Vultures at Deer Creek Fall, not far from Thunder River.
> When I mentioned this to a Ranger he got all exited because he said they
> released some Vultures in the Grand Canyon and they were trying to keep trek
> of them.
> However, on the PCT, the biggest danger,...even bigger than
> Vultures,... is
> Switchback, the "Trail Pirate."
> He will sneak up when you least suspect him, raid and plunder innocent,
> unsuspecting hikers and leave them with nothing but their skivies
> (underwear).
> There really is not much hikers can do to protect themselves from that
> scoundrel.
> The only real protection is "Cannon Fire".
> All hikers are advised to carry a front loading canon, dozen cannon
> balls and
> a sack of black powder.
> Word of caution....keep the cannon loaded at all times and matches at
> the ready.
>
> So, if you see somebody running through the bushes, with his "rear end"
> on fire,
> you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you hit the bulls eye.
>
> Switchback has a rather....uuuhhh, aaahhh, how do I say this
> politely?....a rather
> sizable bulls eye.
>
>
> JMT Reinhold
> -------------------------------------
> TrailHacker wrote:
>
> It's only a mater of time before Reinhold or Ned or someone else will be
> warning the noobs and Wilders about this new danger on the PCT even
> though it happened in the Pyrenees.
> You think it's dangerous out there when you're alive, wait till you are
> dead.
> http://www.livescience.com/29371-griffon-vultures-devour-hikers-body.html
> TrailHacker I can't think when I'm eaten by vultures on the PCT
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 04:35:56 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Hank Magnuski <hankm at mtinet.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] New danger on the PCT
> To: Anthony Biegen <ajbiegen at gmail.com>
> Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Message-ID: <alpine.LRH.2.02.1305080435120.2025 at sv-04.mtinet.com>
> Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed
>
>
> Leave no trace ...
>
> On Tue, 7 May 2013, Anthony Biegen wrote:
>
>> http://www.livescience.com/29371-griffon-vultures-devour-hikers-body.html
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 14
> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 08:37:21 -0400
> From: "JPL" <jplynch at crosslink.net>
> Subject: [pct-l] ticks
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID: <A38C06D400D84C51B6ADAD02640202D1 at jpl3PC>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Anyone ever try the "tick key" to remove ticks?
>
> On May 7, 2013 10:44 PM, "Ron Ronron" <oldlemonparty at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> I picked two ticks off my legs after sitting down for a min around mile 93
>> a few days ago. Lyme carrying ticks are virtually if not entierly non
>> existant on the PCT. There are other fun tick borne diseases though.
>> Anything other than just pulling an embeded tick out may very well cause
>> said tick to vomit into you and thus greatly increase the chance of
>> transmitting a tick borne disease.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 15
> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 06:59:48 -0700
> From: Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] ticks
> To: PCT E-Mail List <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <CACMcHMfV0rkbzYhkRf8qMnPRe+GguZBB5CioBLxrb5eS580fWA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> What I was told as a boy scout growing up on Long Island, NY was cover an
> embedded tick in Vaseline. Eventually they will back out for lack of
> oxygen. It's not a quick method, but I think it works.
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 16
> Date: Wed, 8 May 2013 07:58:10 -0700
> From: Tim Gustafson <tjg at tgustafson.com>
> Subject: Re: [pct-l] ticks
> To: PCT E-Mail List <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Message-ID:
> <CACMcHMfosTygg-4jcD450+QOzWiGgYmgzS-O5Yr9H7SHPB0Vgw at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>
> Actually, I just checked Snopes and I am apparently misinformed.
>
> According to the FDA, just pull the suckers straight out:
>
> http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm049298.htm#THERESATICKATTACHEDTOME.WHATDOIDO
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
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