HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 019-18RESOLUTION NO. 0 19 18
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BAKERSFIELD IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILLS 1787, 1788,
1789, 1790, 1880, and 1881 REGARDING VALLEY FEVER.
WHEREAS, Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis(, a progressive, multi -
symptom, respiratory disorder, is a debilitating disease; and
WHEREAS, Valley Fever is caused by the inhalation of tiny airborne fungi
that live in the soil but are released into the air by soil disturbance or wind; and
WHEREAS, Valley Fever attacks the respiratory system, causing infections
that can lead to symptoms that resemble a cold, influenza, or pneumonia; and
WHEREAS, If left untreated or mistreated, infection can spread from the
lungs into the bloodstream, causing inflammation to the skin, permanent
damage to lung and bone tissue, and swelling of the membrane surrounding
the brain, leading to meningitis, which can be devastating and even fatal; and
WHEREAS, Within California alone, Valley Fever is found in portions of the
Sacramento Valley, all of the San Joaquin Valley, desert regions, and portions of
southern California; and
WHEREAS, According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), Valley Fever infection rates rose twelvefold nationwide from
1995 to 2009, and researchers estimate that the fungus infects more than
150,000 people each year who either suffer serious ailments without knowing the
cause of their illness or escape detection of the disease; and
WHEREAS, According to the CDC, between 1999 and 2011, the rate of
infection of Valley Fever in California rose more than 600 percent, from 939
cases in 1999 to 5,697 cases in 2011, before declining to 2,243 cases in 2014, but
increasing again to 3,053 cases in 2015; and
WHEREAS, In Kern County, the rate of infection of Valley Fever more than
tripled from 2009, for a total of 2,051 cases in 2010 and 2,734 cases in 2011,
before declining to 1210 cases in 2014 and spiking again to nearly 2,500 cases in
2016; and
WHEREAS, Valley Fever most seriously affects the young, the elderly, those
with lowered immune systems, and those of African American and Filipino
descent; and
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WHEREAS, There is no known cure for Valley Fever, but researchers are
closer than ever to finding a much-needed vaccine against this devastating
disease; and
WHEREAS, State Assemblyman Vince Fong R -Bakersfield, State
Assemblyman Rudy Solas D -Bakersfield, and State Senator Jean Fuller R -
Bakersfield introduced legislation, specifically Assembly Bills 1787, 1788, 1789,
1790, 1880, and 1881 ("Valley Fever legislation"), to address and improve the
reporting standards, physician training, and workplace safety, and funding for
valley fever; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council desire to support the Valley Fever
Legislation in order to help protect the health, safety and welfare of the
residents of Bakersfield from and improve the lives of those suffering from valley
fever.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of
Bakersfield as follows:
1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated
herein by reference.
2. The City Council urges the California State Legislature to support
and enact the Valley Fever Legislation and to continue to take actions to
combat valley fever.
3. Copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State delegation
representing the residents of the City of Bakersfield.
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HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted
by the Counc%f the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on
NAR 0 / 2010 , by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER RIVERA, GONZALES.WEIR. SMITH, 6REEPo}nN, SULLIVAN. EARLIER
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER �hle
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER t 4 MU11
Q 11i
CHRISTOPHIllik GERRY
ACTING CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of
the Council of the City of Bakersfield
APPROVEDJ. MAR 0 7 Me
By 0
KAREN GOH, Mayor
City of Bakersfield
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
VIRGINIA GENNARO
City Corney
By �� Gw`i
OSHUA H. RUDNICK
Deputy City Attorney
JHR:vIg
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