PHOENIX - According to numbers from the Arizona Department of Health Services, there is a significant spike in confirmed cases of Valley Fever this year compared to last.
"We've actually seen an increase by about 1,000 cases this year, compared to the same time last year, " said Jessica Rigler with AZDHS.
So far this year through the end of May, there were more than 3,300 hundred cases, that's more than 40 percent that this time last year.
So what is behind the spike?
Researchers are looking into differences in weather patterns.
Dr. Michael Saubolle, Director of Infectious Disease at Banner Health agrees with that theory.
"Late last year we had some pretty significant rain, and then it stopped, and it became very dry. Well, when it becomes dry, we get a lot more dust, wind, and it disseminates much easier, " said Saubolle.
If you have prolonged flu-like symptoms, ask your doctor to be tested for Valley Fever.