Los Angeles County officials said on Monday, Sept. 9, that a Baldwin Park resident had been diagnosed with the mosquito-borne illness dengue.
According to the Department of Public Health, the patient had no history of recent travel to any areas where dengue is endemic. No other locally acquired cases of the virus have been found recently in Los Angeles County.
In October and November, single locally acquired cases of dengue were confirmed by health officials in Pasadena and in Long Beach.
“While the potential risk for widespread dengue virus transmission in Los Angeles County remains low, these cases highlight the presence of infected mosquitoes locally and underscore the importance of preventive measures to control the spread of this virus,” according to a statement from the county department.
The illness is generally spread by a bite from an infected aedes mosquito. Most victims never exhibit any symptoms, but one in four will develop signs such as a fever, nausea, vomiting, rash or aches or pains to the eyes, joints or bones.
The symptoms generally last no more than a week, and people usually fully recover within two weeks.
Deaths from the virus are extremely rare, health officials said.
“This case further indicates that dengue fever is present in our community,” Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, said in a statement. “While the likelihood of widespread transmission is low at this time, we must remain vigilant and prevent further cases through public education and mosquito-control efforts.
“Mosquitoes thrive in hot weather, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases,” he said.
The doctor said to reduce the risk of exposure, use insect repellent, remove standing water and use window and door screens.
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