Title: Two Cases of Dengue Fever Reported in Southern California: Rare Local Transmission in the United States
Pasadena, CA – In a rare occurrence, two non-travel-related cases of dengue fever have been reported in Southern California. The first case was confirmed last month, involving a resident of Pasadena who is currently recovering from the illness. The second case occurred in Long Beach, where the individual has already fully recovered.
This marks the first time that dengue fever has been confirmed in California without any association with international travel. Health officials believe that these cases indicate local transmission of the virus within the continental United States.
Currently, investigations are underway to determine the source of infection. Experts suspect that an individual with dengue traveled to an affected region, contracted the virus, and upon returning home, was bitten by a mosquito that transmitted the virus to the local residents.
Health authorities in both cities have emphasized that the risk of exposure to others is relatively low. Nevertheless, it is crucial for residents to take preventive measures against mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves, using mosquito repellent, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Dengue fever is caused by viruses transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. While it is common in tropical regions, its presence has been considered rare in the United States and its territories. So far this year, there have been a total of 583 locally acquired cases reported in Puerto Rico, Florida, and Texas. These recent cases in California were not included in this count, further highlighting their unusual nature.
Symptoms of dengue fever include high fevers, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, internal bleeding that may lead to death. Around the world, approximately 4 billion people, half of the global population, reside in areas where dengue poses a risk, resulting in millions of infections and thousands of deaths each year.
As the world experiences a rising infection rate, these cases serve as a reminder that dengue can still emerge unexpectedly even in regions where it is considered uncommon. Health officials continue to monitor these cases closely and encourage individuals to be vigilant in preventing mosquito bites as the best defense against dengue fever.
