Los Angeles County, California, yesterday reported two extra regionally acquired dengue infections which are a part of a cluster of instances from Baldwin Park, for a complete of 5 since September 9.
A case in Panorama Metropolis, positioned about 40 miles west of Baldwin Park, reported on September 25 and two instances in El Monte earlier in October aren’t thought of associated to the Baldwin cluster. Not one of the affected sufferers had a historical past of journey to tropical areas endemic for the mosquito-borne virus.
“This small native outbreak raises issues in regards to the ongoing unfold of dengue and the potential for unfold to different areas of LA County,” LA Public Well being stated on X. “Everybody in LA County ought to take motion to stop mosquito bites and mosquito breeding.”
On October 6, San Diego County introduced the detection of regionally acquired dengue in an Escondido resident. Pasadena and Lengthy Seaside, California, every reported one such case in fall 2023.
Mosquito avoidance urged
Within the press launch, Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County well being officer, stated mosquito-bite prevention “will be so simple as utilizing insect repellent to stop mosquito bites, eliminating any standing water round your property the place mosquitoes can breed, and protecting your property mosquito-free through the use of or fixing screens in your doorways and home windows.”
This small native outbreak raises issues in regards to the ongoing unfold of dengue and the potential for unfold to different areas of LA County.
Dengue fever sometimes causes no signs however could result in excessive fever, extreme headache, ache behind the eyes, joint and muscle ache, rash, and slight bleeding. In about 1 in 20 infections, it leads to shock, extreme bleeding, and organ injury. Whereas no antiviral drug is offered to deal with dengue, there’s a vaccine, however it’s not permitted to be used in US vacationers visiting however not dwelling in an endemic space.
