IN OCTOBER 2023, a confirmed local dengue case in Pasadena, California marked a concerning milestone for the state’s public health officials. The state, once free from the disease, is now confronting a growing threat due to the spread of Aedes mosquitoes, which carry dengue fever and other tropical diseases like Zika and chikungunya.
As of late 2023, California reported at least 13 locally acquired dengue cases, up from just two in 2023. The disease is transmitted by the aggressive Aedes mosquitoes, which are now present in 24 counties, with Los Angeles and San Diego seeing the highest number of cases. Public health authorities, like the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, have long been preparing for such an outbreak, monitoring the spread of invasive mosquitoes that thrive in warmer climates.
In response, officials are rapidly implementing control measures, including extensive mosquito surveillance and door-to-door efforts to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. The Los Angeles County Public Health Department has also issued alerts to local healthcare providers, urging them to test for dengue, especially in patients who haven’t traveled to endemic areas.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of community involvement in preventing further outbreaks. Residents are advised to use repellents, wear long sleeves, and eliminate standing water around their homes. Vector control agencies are also deploying innovative strategies, such as sterile mosquito release programs, to reduce local mosquito populations.
California’s swift and proactive response aims to prevent dengue from becoming endemic and reduce the risk of severe illness, which can include internal bleeding, shock, and organ failure.
Reference: KFF Health News. California dengue cases prompt swift response from public health officials. November 2024. Available at: https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/california-los-angeles-dengue-fever-public-health-mosquitoes/. Last accessed: November 14, 2024.
