Los Angeles County, California, yesterday reported two extra regionally acquired dengue infections which can be a part of a cluster of circumstances 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 circumstances 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 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 “might be so simple as utilizing insect repellent to forestall mosquito bites, eliminating any standing water round your house the place mosquitoes can breed, and protecting your house mosquito-free through the use of 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 usually causes no signs however might 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 harm. Whereas no antiviral drug is out there to deal with dengue, there’s a vaccine, however it isn’t accredited to be used in US vacationers visiting however not dwelling in an endemic space.
