Immunization is one of the safest and most effective interventions to prevent disease and early child death. Although, about three quarters of the world’s child population is reached with the required vaccines, only half of the children in Sub-Saharan Africa get access to basic immunization. A substantial number of children worldwide do not complete immunization schedules because neither health services nor conventional communication mechanisms regularly reach their communities.

Coccidioidomycosis, commonly referred to as Valley Fever, is caused by the soil-borne saprophytic fungus C. immitis and posadasii. These species have historically been found in the desert southwest and Mexico; however, in 2010 there were three coccidioidomycosis cases identified in central Washington. Colonization of soils by C. immitis has been confirmed at exposure sites associated with these cases. Multiple studies have identified a relationship between environmental conditions and C. immitis growth areas, but these relationships have not been evaluated in Washington.