While Los Angeles County is reporting three locally acquired cases of dengue this year — which is rare for the region — there have been at least 3,085 cases nationally of locally acquired virus so far this year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
There has been about double the number of locally acquired dengue cases so far this year nationally compared to last year, according to the CDC. Puerto Rico currently makes up the bulk of those cases – with over 2,960 reported. The U.S. territory declared a public health emergency back in March.
“The City of Baldwin Park is aware of the recent cases of locally acquired dengue in our community. While the risk of transmission remains low, we must take this situation seriously and act proactively,” said Mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada.
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Dengue viruses spread through mosquito bites. The most common symptom is a fever with aches and pains, nausea, vomiting and rash. Symptoms usually begin within two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last 2-7 days. Most people recover after about a week.
Locally acquired cases mean that the people infected have no history of traveling to an area where dengue normally spreads. Local dengue transmission is typically common in tropical and subtropical areas of the world – including Florida, and U.S. territories in the Caribbean.
Last year, there were only two locally acquired cases reported in the state of California, the first local cases in the state reported in over a decade, according to CDC data.
The CDC issued a health alert in June warning health care providers of an increased risk of dengue virus infection this year. Globally, new cases of dengue have been the highest on record, according to the CDC. The agency also noted that cases are likely to increase as global temperatures increase.
The best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites, according to the CDC.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that has been making headlines in Los Angeles County recently. According to local health officials, there has been a significant increase in the number of reported dengue cases in the area, raising concerns about the spread of the disease.
Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash, and bleeding gums. In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, a potentially life-threatening condition.
The recent surge in dengue cases in Los Angeles County has been attributed to a combination of factors, including increased travel to regions where dengue fever is endemic, as well as the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito in the area. Local health officials are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating standing water around their homes.
In addition to taking preventive measures, it is important for residents to be aware of the symptoms of dengue fever and seek medical attention if they experience any of them. Early detection and treatment of dengue fever can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission to others.
Local health authorities are working to control the spread of dengue fever in Los Angeles County by conducting mosquito surveillance and control efforts, as well as educating the public about the importance of prevention. They are also collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure that patients with suspected cases of dengue fever receive prompt and appropriate care.
As the number of dengue cases continues to rise in Los Angeles County, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities from this potentially dangerous disease. By working together to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the spread of dengue fever, we can help keep our communities safe and healthy.
