BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- In 2024, 49 people died from Valley Fever, and 3,990 were infected with the fungal disease. Now, the county public health department has launched a new campaign to put a dent in those numbers by putting a face to the numbers. Kern County Public Health Director Brynn Carrigan is one of those faces. "This is the first time that I stand and address a public health threat that I have experienced myself," said Carrigan. Carrigan was diagnosed with a rare form of Valley Fever in May 2024. Now, she's part of the Faces of Valley Fever Campaign after Kern had a record number of cases and deaths last year. "I was doing everything that a normal 40-year-old active person would be doing, and within a month I was practically bedridden," said Carrigan. Kern Probation Division Director, Joel Walton, became a face of Valley Fever at 41. Covenant Coffee to host dog adoption event in partnership with Kern County Animal Services "They discovered the reason the Valley Fever was thriving was because my immune system was suppressed because of the chemo therapy," said Walton. Walton battled testicular cancer at 19, and discovered he had Valley Fever after his cancer re-diagnosis 22 years later. "I really just want to get the message out there that you need to advocate for your own health," said Walton. Last year, Aden Garcia honored his Tio, Steven Espinoza, at the Valley Fever Walk. Espinoza was diagnosed with Valley Fever in October 2023. He died March 8, 2024. Relay for Life crew preps for 34th year of running in Bakersfield "Tio, me, and all of our family miss you," said his nephew, Aden Garcia. "Tia misses you very much, and your kids, and your grandkids miss you very much." Valley Fever grows in the dirt, and it gets into the air when the dirt is stirred up. Anyone can catch the disease, including your pets. It's not contagious, and only spread by inhaling the spores that grow in dirt. 60% of people have no symptoms. The disease can spread to the nervous system, to the organs, to the skin and to the bones. Symptoms begin one to three weeks after exposure. To limit your exposure to dust, keep all windows and doors closed when it's windy, wear an N-95 mask outdoors and wet down dirt to reduce the dust. Health experts warn Kern is at the epicenter of Valley Fever. Listen to your body. Talk to your doctor, and get tested. For more information on the Faces of Valley Fever campaign, click here. ...read more read less