Three hospitalised after “deadly” viral fungus outbreak at Lightning In A Bottle festival

Three people have been hospitalised following a “deadly” viral fungus outbreak at Lightning In A Bottle festival in California.

As per a report in the LA Times, the festival issued a statement informing attendees that they may have been exposed to a dangerous fungus that is expected to infect between 7,000 and 9,000 people in California this year.

The virus causes a number of symptoms including cough, headaches, a loss of appetite, rashes, and shortness of breath. Three people have reportedly been hospitalised following the festival, which took place earlier this summer between May 22-27 and was attended by around 20,000 people.

According to California Department of Public Health (CDPH), cases of the infection were found to be high in Kern County where the festival takes place. The CDPH says the fungus is found in soil and dirt and can potentially be fatal after infection. As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 200 deaths associated with the fungus each year (per MixMag).

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The festival issued a statement to the LA Times earlier this week (July 30) about the situation.

They said: “5,400 [cases of valley fever in California] have already been confirmed, signalling a large increase in 2024 cases due to wet weather.”

“This week [the CDPH] reported that five cases may have been linked to this year’s event as part of their California Valley Fever Awareness Month campaign.”

The festival said it prioritises “the health and safety of all our patrons” and added that it is now working with the CDPH and its local Public Health Department to “learn more about valley fever”.

Pre-sales for the 2025 edition of Lightning In A Bottle festival have already sold out. The 2024 edition saw appearances from Skrillex, James Blake, M.I.A., Fatboy Slim and more.

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