First Case of Locally Transmitted Dengue Virus Confirmed in Southern California
PASADENA, Calif. – In a surprising turn of events, the first case of dengue fever in Southern California not associated with travel has been confirmed in a Pasadena resident. The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) announced on Friday that this is an extremely rare case of local transmission in the continental United States.
Dengue fever, a viral illness usually found on the other side of the world, is transmitted through mosquitoes. It is often seen in individuals who have visited countries where dengue is endemic. However, this particular case in California did not involve any recent travel.
“The risk of exposure to dengue for residents is very low; nevertheless, it is important to take standard precautions,” stated the PPHD. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has deployed traps to evaluate the mosquito population in the area. It is crucial to eliminate stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding sites around homes and yards as mosquitoes only need a small amount of standing water for breeding.
The disease is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Although Aedes mosquitoes are present in Pasadena, dengue is not established as an endemic disease in California.
To reduce mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, the PPHD urges residents to follow standard precautions, including eliminating standing water in clogged rain gutters, discarded tires, and other containers. Proper maintenance of swimming pools, spas, and ponds is also essential. Reporting neglected swimming pools in the neighborhood to the vector control district is advised.
In order to prevent mosquito bites, the PPHD recommends wearing insect repellent containing CDC and EPA approved active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Wearing loosely fitted, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants is also suggested.
Symptoms of dengue fever can range from mild to severe and may include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Most people recover after about a week, although severe cases can occur. Supportive treatment, including rest, fluids, and monitoring for early signs, is currently available, as there are no specific medicines or vaccines to prevent the disease.
For more information about dengue fever and mosquito prevention, residents are encouraged to visit SoCalMosquito.org, the California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
As Southern California enters the mosquito season after a wet winter, health officials in LA County are ramping up their preparation for a potentially heavy mosquito season. With the recent discovery of locally transmitted dengue, it is crucial for residents to be aware of the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.