Texas Officials say the first locally transmitted case of dengue fever has been recorded in 2024 as the state faces the highest number of annual cases in decades.
gave A mosquito-borne virus According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), was found in a resident of Cameron County, the state’s southernmost county.
“This has been a very active year for the dengue virus globally. To date, there have been 106 cases of travel-associated dengue, including one death in Texas,” the agency said Monday. said to
“This is the highest annual number of cases in Texas since 2002,” he added. “Precautions should be taken to prevent mosquito bites in Texas and when traveling internationally to countries where dengue is endemic.”
Los Angeles County reported a local mosquito-borne dengue fever cluster
A locally transmitted case of dengue fever has been recorded in Cameron County, Texas. (iStock)
DSHS says Dengue virus — which is often found in places like “the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa” — is spread by mosquitoes and about 25 percent of people who become infected are symptomatic.
According to the agency, “After about three to 14 days, infected people may develop fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes and headache. Most People recover completely within two weeks,” according to the agency. “However, about one in 20 people with symptoms develop a serious infection that can be fatal if left untreated.”
CDC warns of cases of mosquito-borne virus
A worker releases smoke during a smoke campaign against mosquitoes that spread the dengue virus in San Salvador, El Salvador, June 24. (Photographia/Getty Images)
Texas health officials are now urging the public to “remove mosquito bites” by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and removing standing water that encourages mosquito breeding. Don’t give it a chance.
Dengue fever is usually spread by mosquito bites in countries where the disease is common. (iStock)
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“Since 2013, there have been 665 cases of dengue virus in Texas, including 40 locally acquired cases in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Valle Verde, Webb and Willisie counties. November and December Mosquitoes remain active in most parts of Texas until now.” DSHS said.