Health officials in Los Angeles issued a warning about an increase in locally acquired cases of dengue fever. At least three people in the Baldwin Park neighborhood east of downtown Los Angeles were infected with dengue after being bitten by mosquitoes, marking an unprecedented cluster of locally acquired dengue cases in the region. This comes a year after the first case of locally acquired dengue was reported in California. Other cases stemming from mosquito bites within the U.S. have been reported in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, with the majority of cases in Puerto Rico.
Globally, cases of dengue fever have been surging as climate change leads to warmer weather that enables mosquitoes to expand their reach. Dengue fever is typically spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes in tropical areas. While Aedes mosquitoes are common in Los Angeles County, local infections were not confirmed until last year when cases were reported in Pasadena and Long Beach. Prior to that, cases in California were associated with people traveling to regions where dengue is common, such as Latin America. So far this year, 82 cases have been reported in L.A. County by people returning from traveling, with a total of 148 cases across California.
Symptoms of dengue fever include high fevers, rashes, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and joint pain. About one in four people infected with dengue will experience symptoms, typically appearing within five to seven days of a mosquito bite. One in 20 people with symptoms may develop severe dengue, which can lead to severe bleeding and be life-threatening. Public health officials are set to conduct outreach to homes within 150 meters of those who have been bitten, as this is the typical flight range of the mosquitoes that transmit the virus. It is recommended for residents to use insect repellent and eliminate standing water around their homes where mosquitoes can breed.
Officials have been actively testing mosquitoes in the San Gabriel Valley for the disease but have not found any with dengue so far. Health experts advise the public to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of contracting the virus. Dengue fever can be a serious illness, and with the increase in locally acquired cases in the Los Angeles area, it is critical for residents to be vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites. The spread of dengue is a concerning issue, especially as cases continue to rise globally, and health officials are working to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission.
