The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health this week confirmed a local dengue case, the third reported in the state since 2023.
In a statement, the department said the patient is a resident of Baldwin Park and had no history of travel to areas where the mosquito-borne virus is endemic. An alert to providers said the patient and household members had not traveled domestically or internationally and that the patient reported mosquito bites at home and is recovering from his or her dengue illness.
Cases from 2 other cities in 2023
Last year, local dengue cases were confirmed by city officials in two other Los Angeles County cities: Pasadena in October and Long Beach in November.
Mantu David, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County health officer, said, "This case further indicates that dengue fever is present in our community. 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."
The health department added that the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has enhanced surveillance and conducted mosquito control activities in the area, including more backpack and truck-mounted mosquito treatments.
In June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned about an increased risk of dengue cases in the United States, based on a record surge in the Americas region and higher-than-expected numbers of imported cases this year.
Each year, sporadic cases are reported in a few states, including Florida. The Florida Department of Health, in its latest vector-borne illness surveillance update, reported 2 more cases, raising the year’s total to 31 in six counties.
More imported Oropouche virus cases
In other vector-borne illness developments, the CDC this week reported 20 more imported cases of Oropouche virus, which is most often spread by biting midges. It also reported the first neuroinvasive case.
Two more states, California and Colorado, reported cases, raising the total to five. Most of the 52 cases have been reported by Florida.
On X yesterday, the CDC told health departments that it can now diagnose Oropouche virus using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing
Americas countries, including Cuba, have reported a surge in cases this year, with the virus spreading beyond endemic areas and causing rising instances of severe fetal outcomes, including deaths and congenital malformations.
