This month, the discovery of two new cases of dengue acquired in the city of Baldwin Park in the San Gabriel Valley was announced, bringing the total to eight infections this year within Los Angeles County.
One and two cases have been recorded in Panorama City and El Monte respectively, suggesting that the virus has infected the local mosquito population in those cities.
So far, fortunately none of these people have developed a serious illness.
As a consequence, authorities have called on those who live in Baldwin Park and other areas to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of spread and contagion.
The Los Angeles County Health Department and the San Fernando Valley Mosquito Vector Control District, which are investigating the spread of these infections, revealed in a statement that these new cases are not linked to travel to places where it is normally found. dengue.
However, this small outbreak has raised concerns about the spread of dengue in Baldwin Park, with fears it could spread to other regions of Los Angeles County.
“We are still investigating, but these new cases raise concern about the possibility of continued local spread of dengue through the bite of infected mosquitoes in Baldwin Park,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County health director.
“Many infected people may not have symptoms, making it difficult to detect and control the spread of the disease, but with the help of the community, we can make a difference,” he said.
Dr. Montu highlighted that we need the support of all people who live and work in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are a concern.
“As part of this investigation, Public Health and San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District teams will conduct outreach and offer dengue testing and enhanced mosquito control services to those who live and work in the area. ”.
He added that it is also important for everyone to focus on protecting themselves from mosquito bites and eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed and grow.
“Together, we can protect our communities from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.”
Dengue is spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
The sustained spread of dengue in a neighborhood occurs when infected mosquitoes bite and transmit dengue to people, who in turn are bitten by other mosquitoes. Those mosquitoes become infected and continue the cycle.
Aedes mosquitoes are most active during the day. Their peak biting times are generally early in the morning at sunrise, and late afternoon after sunset, when the sky begins to darken.
Public health authorities urged health care providers to consider the possibility of dengue in patients with acute febrile illness and to conduct testing to detect and report suspected cases of mosquito-borne diseases.
They advised doctors to routinely talk to patients and travelers about preventing mosquito bites.
About one in four infected people have symptoms of infection, which range from mild to severe.
Dengue symptoms may appear two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
People infected with dengue may have no symptoms or experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, followed by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, in the joints and muscles, and probably minor bleeding.
In severe cases, dengue can cause severe bleeding and shock, a significant drop in blood pressure that may cause organ failure, requiring immediate medical attention.
Residents who develop symptoms should consult their doctor, as a blood test is necessary to confirm dengue infection.
“As the situation evolves, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is committed to maintaining an aggressive response strategy with weekly surveillance testing and education to help protect public health and mitigate the risk of a increased transmission,” said district manager Jason Farned.
“While dengue has not been detected in local mosquito populations, we urge residents to take important steps to prevent mosquito bites.”
How to protect yourself
People who live and businesses in the area under investigation can help detect and control the spread of dengue by following these recommendations:
- Allow vector control teams to inspect your home or site for potential mosquito breeding sites. This is essential to eliminate the risk of dengue spreading further.
- Allow collection traps: Community members and businesses are encouraged to allow their vector control to set mosquito collection traps to help identify and conduct testing to help detect infected mosquito populations around their home or site. .
How to help
Everyone in Los Angeles County can take proactive steps to prevent ongoing local transmission of dengue. These simple measures include:
- Using mosquito repellent can keep them away and prevent their bites. EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are the longest lasting and most effective. They are available in the form of sprays, wipes and lotions. Consider wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants when outdoors.
- Keep mosquitoes out of your home: Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
- Prevent mosquito breeding:
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
- Clean up standing water in pots, plates, birdbaths, and other outdoor containers. Empty junk that contains water inside and outside your home once a week. Mosquito eggs only need a little water to hatch.
- Cover water storage containers, such as buckets and rain barrels. For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.
- Clean pools and spas; and empty water from pool covers.
- Throw away old items in your yard or garden that may collect water, such as old car tires and children’s toys. Call 2-1-1 or your local vector control agency to report persistent problems to your mosquito control district.
The first confirmed case of locally acquired dengue was reported on September 9, but already in the fall of 2023, others were detected in Long Beach and Pasadena.
“It is important to remember that mosquitoes remain active well into the colder months,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
“Everyone in California can protect themselves by using mosquito repellent and making sure there is no standing water where disease-carrying mosquitoes can grow.”
What is dengue
Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted from mosquitoes to people. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions, such as the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
In the United States, the types of mosquitoes that transmit dengue are found in many areas, meaning that local spread of dengue can occur.
The warning signs that dengue is becoming a severe disease once we have contracted it are:
- Severe and constant stomach pain or pain when touching the stomach.
- Vomiting a lot (like three hours in one hour or four times in six hours)
- Bleeding from the gums, nose, vein, or urine
- Changes in how the person acts such as being irritable or sleepy.
For questions about where to find a clinic or doctor near you, call Public Health at 1-833-540-0473, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.