PHOENIX—Rep. Greg Stanton, together with Republican Rep. John Duarte (CA-13), introduced the Valley Fever Awareness and Vaccine Development and Manufacturing Act of 2024. The bipartisan legislation addresses the pressing need for a human vaccine for Valley Fever by supporting the development, approval, licensing, and initial manufacturing of a vaccine. The bill also establishes a whole-of-government approach to vaccine development including the appointment of a Vaccine Coordinator, the creation of a national strategy for vaccine development, and the establishment of programs to advance vaccine research and manufacturing.
"Valley Fever is a devastating disease—with no known cure—that's impacting more and more Arizona families each year," said Rep. Greg Stanton. "I'm proud to partner with Congressman Duarte, researchers and key federal partners as we work to develop a human Valley Fever vaccine and eradicate this threat to public health."
“Valley Fever negatively affects our families, workers, and communities, especially vulnerable populations," said Rep. John Duarte. “This bill will create a natural strategy for awareness, testing, and development to protect our Valley from this debilitating disease. I’m proud to work with my Democrat and Republican friends to improve our Valley’s health and well-being.”
“We know that people who recover from Valley fever are immune from second infections for the rest of their lives. This makes the possibility of a preventative vaccine very likely to succeed,” said University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence Director John Galgiani. The public health benefit from a Valley fever vaccine would be enormous for those living in the endemic regions. It could also protect visitors to those areas from around the country, making a Valley fever vaccine valuable to the entire nation and making federal interest in solving this problem a logical priority.”
Valley Fever is an infectious disease caused by a fungus that grows in the soil of the Sonoran desert surrounding Phoenix. Exposure occurs after a spore from the fungus becomes airborne because of soil disruption, and is inhaled. It has long been known to be seasonal, generally occurring before the monsoons and again in the fall before winter rains, and infections are increasing as Arizona becomes drier and dustier.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.