Texas has recorded the first case of locally transmitted dengue in 2024, a fact that coincides with the highest annual number of cases reported in the state since 2002. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed that the case corresponds to a resident of Cameron County, the southernmost area of Texas, underscoring growing concern about the impact of dengue in the region.
Dengue, a mosquito-borne virus that proliferates in tropical and subtropical regions, has shown a significant increase worldwide during 2024. Texas, for its part, reports 106 travel-related cases to date, including one death. According to authorities, this figure highlights the urgent need to strengthen prevention and control measures.
The virus is endemic in regions such as the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, Africa and the South Pacific, but also affects areas such as Texas, especially in counties near the border with Mexico. Since 2013, there have been 665 cases of dengue in the state, of which 40 were locally acquired, primarily in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Willacy counties.
DSHS warns that dengue vector mosquitoes, active during the warmer months, continue to pose a threat during November and December in much of the state. This underlines the importance of implementing preventive measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
Dengue usually causes symptoms in about 25% of infected people. Between three and fourteen days after being bitten by a carrier mosquito, patients may experience fever, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, and discomfort behind the eyes. Although the majority of those affected recover within two weeks, one in twenty people develops a severe form of the disease that can be fatal if not received adequate treatment.
Health officials stress the need to adopt protective measures, such as the use of long-sleeved clothing, insect repellents and the elimination of stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Additionally, caution is advised when traveling to countries where dengue is endemic, as many infections in Texas have been linked to international travel.
The impact of dengue is not only limited to its public health implications. The increase in cases also reflects an environmental challenge. Climate change, which has lengthened mosquito seasons and expanded their geographic habitat, is significantly contributing to the increase in vector-borne diseases in southern states like Texas.
The detection of indigenous dengue this year highlights the need to maintain robust epidemiological surveillance, especially in areas with a history of local transmission. Health authorities are working to prevent future outbreaks by quickly identifying cases and implementing strategies to reduce mosquito populations.
Although Texas has made progress in managing vector-borne diseases, experts warn that dengue will continue to be a challenge as mosquitoes expand their reach. In this context, the case in Cameron acts as a reminder of the need for continued education for residents to take proactive measures.
DSHS emphasizes that although advances in prevention and treatment have improved outcomes for patients, the key to combating dengue lies in collective efforts to limit opportunities for transmission. This call ranges from individual actions, such as the use of physical barriers and repellents, to community-level interventions, such as managing standing water.
With mosquitoes active during the last months of the year, the challenge for authorities is twofold: control the spread of dengue in the short term and prepare sustainable strategies to mitigate its impact in the long term.
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