Locally acquired case of dengue detected in Baldwin Park

The Department of Public Health confirmed the third case of locally acquired dengue on Monday after a Los Angeles County resident tested positive.

The case popped in a Baldwin Park resident who had no history of travel to areas where dengue is endemic, according to Public Health. Doctors detected the previous two cases in Long Beah and Pasadena last fall. County health officials believe the risk of a widespread outbreak are very low, but stressed the need to take preventative measures to control the spread. 

"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," said Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer.

While locally acquired cases can happen, they are uncommon in LA County. Most of the cases detected in the region come from people who traveled to areas prone to dengue. 

Dengue fever spreads through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, commonly occurring in tropical and subtropical regions like the Caribbean, Southeast Asia as wells as South and Central America. 

"Mosquitos thrive in hot weather, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases," Davis said. 

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District increased mosquito trapping, testing and abatement operations to reduce the chance of the disease spreading.

"The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has acted as quickly as possible to enhance surveillance and perform mosquito control in the area," said District Manager Jason Farned. "The District will continue its surveillance and control efforts, including additional backpack and truck-mounted mosquito treatments to reduce adult mosquito populations and mosquito breeding sources."

Davis and Public Health recommended residents take the following steps to reduce exposure and risk:

• Use insect repellent on you and your family,
• Remove standing water outside your home where mosquitos can lay eggs and breed 
• Use, install or repair window and door screens to prevent mosquitos from entering your home. 

The most common symptoms of dengue are fever, plus one or more of the following:

• eye pain
• headache
• muscle, bone or joint pain 
• nausea or vomiting 
• rash

While there is a vaccine for dengue, but it is not approved for Americans visiting an area where dengue is common. The disease does not have a specific medicinal treatment but there are medicines to help with the fever and pain.