Title: Local Transmission of Dengue Fever Confirmed in Southern California
Subtitle: Two cases reported in the region, indicating a potential shift in dengue patterns
Los Angeles, California – Two cases of dengue fever have been reported in Southern California without any travel history outside the United States, suggesting a potential shift in the spread of the disease. This marks the first known instances of locally transmitted dengue fever in California, raising concerns among health officials.
The first case was confirmed in Pasadena, where a resident was diagnosed with dengue and is currently recovering. The second case occurred in Long Beach, with the affected individual having already recovered. Both cities’ health departments have assured the public that the risk of exposure to others is low.
Dengue is primarily spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes and is commonly found in tropical regions. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and in severe cases, internal bleeding leading to death. Each year, approximately 400 million infections and 40,000 deaths occur worldwide, affecting nearly half of the world’s population. However, dengue is considered rare in the United States and its territories.
The recent cases in California have raised concerns as they were not counted among the 583 locally acquired cases reported this year. These figures include 520 cases in Puerto Rico, 62 cases in Florida, and one in Texas. Health authorities are now actively investigating the source of the infection, suspecting that the individuals were bitten by local mosquitoes after becoming infected elsewhere.
“The fact that we have locally transmitted dengue cases in California is concerning because it confirms that the virus is present in our local mosquito population,” stated Dr. Nathan Jones of the California Department of Public Health. “This indicates that the virus could potentially be spreading further within the state.”
Residents are being urged to take precautionary measures, such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and eliminating any standing water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding.
As health officials work to determine the exact source of the infections, it is crucial to remain vigilant and report any potential symptoms promptly. The California Department of Public Health will continue to closely monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further local transmission of dengue fever.
For more updates on this developing story and the latest news from around the world, stay tuned to World News Live.
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