Re: Valley Fever questions

[Bettyc <Bettyc@flyinggoat.com>]

Glen J. Kuban wrote:
> This seems like something we all collectors and preparers should be aware
> of.  Can anyone tell us what the symptoms are, or have recommendations for
> preventing it?  Are dust masks or respirators any use? 

This site has by far, more information on Valley Fever's symptoms,
likely victims, 
(it even has a recommendation to use the military as test victims so
they can study the desease better), 
and has more infection information than the layman really wants to
know.  However not one word on prevention.
http://copper.ucs.indiana.edu/~jamkoch/term.htm

Mike Sternberg sent me this site-again no mention for prevention (though
it says archeologists are at risk because they dig in the dirt more than
most-I guess paleontologists are ok then? ;]
http://www.arl.arizona.edu/vfce/

This site has some laymans' info on the desease, but says:
"Face masks offer only limited protection against the tiny spores. "
http://www.stayhealthy.com/hrd/DICOPr_ENDI_VaFe.htm

This site points out that your dog can get it too, and says to stay
inside during dust storms:
http://www.bakersfield.com/kern/use/petstory.html

Has anyone that has a musuem collection ever had to deal with this?
Are the (dusty) fossils themselves a spore carrier?
Would simply washing them in water remove the spore? 
(I wonder since water plays a part in the spore life cycle)
What about a weak bleach solution and what if this damages the fossils
themselves?

-- 
           Betty Cunningham  
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