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 Metropolissituated about 40 miles west of Baldwin Park, reported on September 25 and two instances in El Monte earlier in October aren’t thought-about 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 considerations concerning 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 forestall 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 SeashoreCalifornia, 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 forestall mosquito bites, eliminating any standing water round your house the place mosquitoes can breed, and maintaining your house mosquito-free by utilizing or fixing screens in your doorways and home windows.”
This small native outbreak raises considerations concerning 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 ends in shock, extreme bleeding, and organ injury. Whereas no antiviral drug is on the market to deal with dengue, there’s a vaccine, however it’s not accredited to be used in US vacationers visiting however not dwelling in an endemic space.
