East Arizona News

U.S. Representative David Schweikert, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and other bipartisan leaders have reintroduced the Finding Orphan-disease Remedies with Antifungal Research and Development (FORWARD) Act. The FORWARD Act is a bipartisan legislation aimed at supporting research initiatives to detect, treat, and combat Valley Fever, a disease caused by a fungus commonly found in desert soils that can infect the lungs of humans and canines.

Valley Fever has been a growing concern in the western United States, particularly in Arizona and California. With cases on the rise, it has become crucial to prioritize the delivery of medical breakthroughs to treat this disease. The FORWARD Act provides resources to close the scientific gap in understanding Valley Fever, support research, and accelerate vaccine development to potentially eradicate it once and for all.

Representative Schweikert, co-chairman of the Congressional Valley Fever Task Force, expressed his satisfaction in reintroducing the FORWARD Act, stating, "As we've seen Valley Fever cases rise across the western United States over the last decade, it's critical that we continue to prioritize the delivery of medical breakthroughs that will help treat our family members and their beloved pets."

Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema have introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. Senator Kelly emphasized the need to invest in treatments and public health strategies to protect the health of Arizona families, while Senator Sinema highlighted the importance of funding research and vaccine development to combat Valley Fever and strengthen public health responses against future infectious diseases.

Other representatives involved in reintroducing the FORWARD Act also expressed their support and commitment to finding a cure for Valley Fever. Representative Valadao stated, "Valley Fever has a huge impact on our neighbors and communities in the Central Valley, and we must prioritize the development of new treatments and vaccines to combat the spread of this disease and save lives." Representative LaMalfa added, "Valley Fever has impacted many in California, especially in rural areas. I'm pleased to join my colleagues on this effort to advance research to better detect, treat, and ultimately eradicate Valley Fever."

Dr. John Galgiani, Director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, praised the FORWARD Act, stating, "The FORWARD Act is an important step towards addressing the problems posed by endemic and other fungi, especially, Coccidioides, the cause of Valley Fever."

The FORWARD Act is designed to eliminate Valley Fever by authorizing $500,000,000 to support public-private partnerships to prevent and slow the spread of Valley Fever infections, streamlining the process to approve new vaccines and treatments, and establishing a working group at the Department of Health and Human Services to advise on strategies that confront gaps in science related to Valley Fever.

Valley Fever is a serious health concern, with Arizona alone accounting for about 65% of all reported cases in the United States. There is currently no cure, and doctors often recommend patients take antifungal medications for life. Symptoms of Valley Fever can mimic other common respiratory infections and illnesses, leading to misdiagnosis and underreported figures. If left untreated, Valley Fever can develop into severe fungal infections that can be fatal.

In the 117th Congress, Representative Schweikert and former Speaker McCarthy introduced the FORWARD Act, and in 2013, they co-founded the Valley Fever Task Force. The goal of the task force is to share information with stakeholders in the medical and scientific fields to foster new advancements in prevention and treatment, as well as to educate individuals on the disease.

The reintroduction of the FORWARD Act brings hope for the development of new treatments, vaccines, and a potential cure for Valley Fever. The legislation aims to address the challenges posed by this disease and protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities affected by Valley Fever.

Click this link to access more information: https://schweikert.house.gov/2023/12/12/schweikert-mccarthy-and-bipartisan-bicameral-leaders-reintroduce-forward-act-to-fight-valley-fever/