The California Department of Public Health has issued a health alert after five attendees of the Lightning in a Bottle festival were diagnosed with Valley fever.

The event, which drew over 20,000 people to Buena Vista Lake in Kern County, has raised concerns about potential exposure to the respiratory infection.

Three of the five confirmed cases required hospitalization, prompting officials to warn that additional cases may emerge. Symptoms of Valley fever include cough, fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

Visitors to Kern County experiencing persistent respiratory issues should seek medical attention, according to state officials.

Related Story: A Deadly Fungal Disease on the Rise in the West Has Experts Worried

The CDPH emphasizes that while some mild cases may have resolved, others with long-term or severe disease could remain undiagnosed or symptomatic.

Festival-goers are urged to seek medical attention if they experience persistent respiratory issues, as early detection and treatment are crucial in managing Valley fever.

For further details about Valley fever, readers are encouraged to consult the official website of the California Department of Public Health.

Read more at KGET