Which of the following is a risk factor for developing coccidioidomycosis?

Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley fever, is caused by the inhalation of spores from the Coccidioides fungus, which is typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. One of the primary risk factors for developing this disease is engaging in activities that stir up dust, such as farming, construction, or hiking in these affected areas.

When soil is disturbed, spores can become airborne and be inhaled by individuals. This makes activities that generate dust particularly risky for exposure to the Coccidioides fungus. Thus, individuals who frequently engage in such activities are at an increased risk of contracting coccidioidomycosis, making it the correct choice in this context.

The other options, while they may involve exposure to different health risks, do not specifically relate to the known environmental factors of coccidioidomycosis. Living in a tropical area generally does not correlate with this disease, as the Coccidioides fungus is not prevalent in humid tropical climates. Exposure to bat droppings is more associated with the risk of histoplasmosis, another fungal infection, rather than coccidioidomycosis