Los Angeles County health officials are investigating the first locally acquired case of dengue fever for the 2025 mosquito season, reported in a San Gabriel Valley resident.
The individual, who had not traveled to areas where dengue is common, developed symptoms in late September and is recovering, health officials said in a news release.
Officials said the overall risk of dengue transmission in the county remains low.
The department is working with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District to conduct enhanced mosquito surveillance, reduce mosquito populations and inform residents.
“In response to emerging disease risk, the district rapidly launched enhanced mosquito control operations across the community,” District Manager Jason Farned said in a statement. “Teams are actively conducting surveillance, eliminating breeding sources, and engaging residents to reduce the risk of further transmission.”
Residents can take steps to reduce mosquito breeding and avoid bites by:
- Using EPA-registered mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants outdoors.
- Emptying or covering containers that collect standing water, such as flowerpots, buckets, and rain barrels.
- Cleaning and maintaining swimming pools and draining water from pool covers.
- Repairing or replacing window and door screens with holes or tears.
Last year, the county reported its first locally acquired dengue case on Sept. 9 and ultimately confirmed 14 locally transmitted cases, which is a rare occurrence in a region where mosquitoes had not previously spread the virus, according to Public Health.
Dengue is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
Symptoms typically appear within five to seven days after a bite and may include high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint and muscle aches, rash, and mild bleeding. Severe dengue can cause shock, heavy bleeding, or organ failure and requires immediate medical care.
“Dengue is preventable, and community action is our strongest defense,” Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “Preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding is the best way to stop local transmission.”
Public Health recommends using insect repellent, removing standing water around homes, and ensuring windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out.
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