Construction work worries residents of Paso Robles about long-term effects of valley fever

Gale Ybarra is an elementary school teacher and avid gardener, living with the long-term effects of valley fever for two years now.

Residents of Paso Robles are concerned about the long-term effects of valley fever as construction nearby can impact air quality.

“I still have a mark on my lungs. My muscles are sore. I can still be tired, ”said Gale Ybarra, resident of Paso Robles.

Ybarra lives near the land where the Olsen-South Chandler ranch will be built. This is a project intended to develop over 350 acres in the southeast corner of Paso Robles.

The developers have sent a notice to neighbors saying construction could have a significant impact on air quality, which could cause valley fever.

Valley fever is primarily a disease of the lungs caused by inhaling airborne fungal spores.

Like many others with valley fever, Ybarra had flu-like symptoms and doctors mistakenly diagnosed her with pneumonia.

“You couldn’t tell it apart from influenza A, ammonia or COVID-19 or a bad cold,” said MedStop emergency care medical director Dr. Brian Roberts.

In some cases, the spread of valley fever can occur when the disease begins in the lungs but spreads to other parts of the body.

Ybarra is concerned that these long-term effects could affect older people, like her mother, living at Quail Run Estates in Paso Robles.

“How can they take care of themselves if they live alone? It really, really concerns me, ”Ybarra said.

Other groups that may be at higher risk of spreading valley fever are:

• HIV / AIDS
• Organ transplant
• Immunosuppressive drugs

• Pregnant women
• People with diabetes
• Black and Filipino

Olsen-South Chandler Ranch Project Manager Mike Naggar responded in a statement saying, “The bar is very high when it comes to controlling the dust that will come from the site. The site will need to be watered continuously during any construction activity. There will also be continuous on-site supervision by a construction foreman to ensure all requirements are met. “

Dr Roberts added that many people who grew up in San Luis Obispo County are already immune and people can be tested to see if they are.

He encourages residents to take extra precautions to avoid developing valley fever, including wearing an N95 mask and staying indoors with air conditioning and a HEPA filter.