Los Angeles is ‘a region where dengue has not previously been transmitted by mosquitoes,’ authorities say.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed it is investigating additional cases of the dengue virus that was locally acquired in the city, according to a statement on Wednesday.
Two additional cases were found in Baldwin Park and among those who have “no history of travel to areas where dengue is endemic prior to their symptoms,” the health agency said.
Three cases of locally acquired dengue were reported, initially in a confirmed case of locally acquired dengue, according to the county health agency. The first case was found Sept. 9.
The three cases are an “unprecedented number of locally transmitted cases for a region where dengue has not previously been transmitted by mosquitoes,” the agency said. Previously, reported dengue cases in Los Angeles County were associated with travel to a country where the virus is spread locally.
“These additional cases of local virus transmission are a stark reminder for all Los Angeles County residents that simple steps to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites can lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and prevent more sustained transmission in the future,” the department warned.
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which is common in Los Angeles, officials noted. But cases of dengue being transmitted locally “are extremely rare,” it added.
The city said that local officials are now increasing its mosquito-trapping efforts to identify and test the insects for dengue.
The statement advised local health care providers to be aware of possible dengue symptoms in patients who are suspected to have the virus.
“Reducing exposure to mosquitoes and the risk for mosquito bites are crucial to preventing transmission of mosquito-borne disease, including dengue fever,” said Los Angeles County Health Officer Muntu Davis in the statement.
Exposure to mosquitoes could be mitigated by the use of an insect repellent, keeping the home free of the insects by installing the proper screens on doors and windows, and removing standing water where mosquitoes breed, Davis said.
