4th local dengue transmission reported in LA County
4th local dengue transmission reported in LA County
In a follow-up on the dengue fever situation in Los Angeles County, California, county health authorities report investigating a new case of locally acquired dengue in a resident of Panorama City. The person had no history of travel to areas where dengue is endemic.
This case of local transmission is not related to the cluster of cases previously reported last week.
This is the fourth case of locally acquired dengue reported in 2024. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health says these cases of local transmission are extremely rare in LA County and residents are urged to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites.
“We are seeing the local transmission of dengue, which is unprecedented in Los Angeles County. Preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding is the best way stop the ongoing local transmission of dengue,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Using insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites, eliminating items that hold standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, and using or fixing screens on your doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of the home are simple steps everyone can take to significantly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease for both you and your neighbors."
Dengue is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Although Aedes mosquitoes are common in LA County, almost all previously reported dengue cases in LA County have been associated with travel to a country where dengue is commonly spread.
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Persons infected with dengue may have flu-like symptoms including high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe dengue can result in shock, severe bleeding and severe organ impairment which require immediate medical attention.