Los Angeles County, California, yesterday reported two more locally acquired dengue infections that are part of a cluster of cases from Baldwin Park, for a total of five since September 9.
A case in Panorama City, located about 40 miles west of Baldwin Park, reported on September 25 and two cases in El Monte earlier in October aren’t considered related to the Baldwin cluster. None of the affected patients had a history of travel to tropical regions endemic for the mosquito-borne virus.
“This small local outbreak raises concerns about the ongoing spread of dengue and the potential for spread to other areas of LA County,” LA Public Health said on X. “Everyone in LA County should take action to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito breeding.”
On October 6, San Diego County announced the detection of locally acquired dengue in an Escondido resident. Pasadena and Long Beach, California, each reported one such case in fall 2023.
Mosquito avoidance urged
In the press release, Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County health officer, said mosquito-bite prevention “can be as simple as using insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites, eliminating any standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, and keeping your home mosquito-free by using or fixing screens on your doors and windows.”
This small local outbreak raises concerns about the ongoing spread of dengue and the potential for spread to other areas of LA County.
Dengue fever typically causes no symptoms but may lead to high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and slight bleeding. In about 1 in 20 infections, it results in shock, severe bleeding, and organ damage. While no antiviral drug is available to treat dengue, there is a vaccine, but it is not approved for use in US travelers visiting but not living in an endemic area.
