Kern Medical in east Bakersfield is launching a study of people with pneumonia, looking to find cases that involve Valley Fever. Dr. Royce Johnson told reporters today that studies are planned across Southern California and in Arizona, but we’re the first to get underway. “The persons that end up having Valley Fever will be followed for an extended period, and we will gain information about the disease that they had, and the effect of the treatment they received.” The study looks at Valley Fever in the lungs of people age 14 and older, those who are chosen for the study will receive free treatments and up to $650 for travel expenses. Patients may be referred by their own doctor or call for information on their own, that number is 661-706-6748.

Suzanne Grant