Valley Fever questions

[Bettyc <Bettyc@flyinggoat.com>]

I'm an amateur fossil nut, and was recently collecting fossils in an
 area known to have the spore that causes Valley Fever.

 Having searched the internet for information on this, I've seen a great
 deal of information on the incubation period and symptoms, but rather
 nothing at all on prevention (other than don't dig where you can get
it)
 OR the correct handling of rock material that may also be spore-bearing
 in a collection.

 I'm pretty sure I've been exposed to it prior in my sordid past as I'm
 pretty much past the window of symptoms to show up.

 -Can I prep the fossil material so that there is no danger of infection
 by handling it? (I'm thinking about school kids that might be exposed
by
 handling the material).

 -In the future, how can I prevent the spore from infecting any guests I
 might take with me to dig?  I've read that respirators are not that
 effective (and awkward to hike or to dig in anyways)

 Thanks to anyone that might be able to answer either of these
questions.


-- 
           Betty Cunningham  
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