Rare case of locally-acquired Dengue fever discovered in California.
The First Locally-Acquired Case of Dengue Virus Reported in Pasadena, California
Exciting news! Pasadena, California, public health officials have just announced the first locally-acquired case of dengue virus, also known as dengue fever. This groundbreaking discovery was made by Manuel Carmona, Pasadena’s acting director of public health, who revealed that the infected individual had not traveled abroad. In fact, this is an incredibly rare case of local transmission within the continental United States.
Efforts to Combat the Spread of Dengue
“The Pasadena Public Health Department is taking immediate action to address this situation. Our surveillance teams have already visited a neighborhood in Pasadena, providing residents with valuable information on how to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes and avoid mosquito bites,”
said Carmona.
Dengue is primarily spread by mosquitoes and interestingly, 75% of those infected show no symptoms at all. However, for the remaining 25%, mild symptoms such as high fever, body aches, pains, and rashes may occur. In rare cases, severe dengue can lead to vomiting and internal bleeding, affecting around 5% of symptomatic patients.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mosquito species responsible for transmitting dengue is widespread across the continental United States. Local outbreaks of dengue have previously been reported and successfully controlled in states like Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and Arizona.
But wait, there’s more! This summer, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding mosquito-related news, including reported cases of locally acquired malaria in Florida and Texas. While these reports may raise concerns among public health officials, it’s important for the general public to remain calm and informed.
According to CDC statistics, there were 67 cases of locally acquired dengue virus last year. Stay tuned for further updates on this groundbreaking discovery!
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
How does the emergence of locally-acquired dengue cases complicate public health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic
Nced the first locally-acquired case of the dengue virus. This marks a significant development, as typically, cases of dengue virus in the United States are related to travel to foreign countries. The identification of a locally acquired case in a region not known for dengue adds a new dimension to public health efforts in the state.
Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes a flu-like illness with symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, rash, and in rare cases, organ damage. While the virus is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, it has been spreading to new geographic areas recently, likely due to various factors such as globalization, travel, and changing weather patterns.
The reported case in Pasadena involved a resident who has not traveled outside the state recently, indicating that the infection was most likely acquired within the local community. Public health authorities are actively investigating the source of the infection as they work to contain its spread.
Local mosquito control efforts will be intensified in the area to reduce the opportunity for further transmission and protect the community. These efforts include surveillance and elimination of breeding sites, application of insecticides, public education on mosquito bite prevention, and enhanced monitoring of mosquito populations.
The announcement of this locally-acquired case highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and collaboration between public health authorities, healthcare providers, and the community. Early detection, prompt reporting of cases, and coordinated response efforts are crucial in preventing the further spread of dengue virus.
Pasadena public health officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. These precautions include wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using EPA-registered insect repellents, especially those containing DEET, Picaridin, or IR3535, and installing or repairing window screens to keep mosquitoes out.
Educational campaigns will be conducted to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of dengue virus, promote preventive measures, and advise individuals to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to the virus.
As we navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence of locally-acquired dengue cases adds additional complexity to public health responses. It is crucial that the public remains informed about and adheres to recommended public health measures for both dengue and COVID-19 prevention.
While this first locally-acquired case of dengue virus in Pasadena raises concerns, it also presents an opportunity for improved understanding, research, and collaboration among public health agencies. By working together, we can effectively respond to this new threat and protect the health and well-being of our communities.
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