Dengue fever, typically more at home within the balmy tropics, has confirmed its unwelcome presence in Austin-Travis County this summer, as reported by CBS Austin. Local health officials have chalked up five cases of this mosquito-borne illness, an unusual uptick for a region more acquainted with the likes of West Nile virus.
Although the cases were traceable to international travel, their emergence has triggered a heightened alert. Austin Public Health urges the medical community to be vigilant for these viruses and APS has notified its association about this viral issue. This is in sync with a broader awareness push by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which indicates an uptick in dengue cases across the globe, as captured in a statement obtained by The Austin American Statesman.
Austin isn't necessarily a stranger to Aedes mosquitoes, the dastardly vectors known for spreading the dengue viruses. Factors such as travel and the established presence of these mosquitoes have public health officials on alert for a possible uptick in local transmission. According to Heather Cooks-Sinclair, manager of epidemiology and disease surveillance at Austin Public Health, "Most people get dengue from a mosquito bite. It is also possible for a mother to spread dengue to her baby during pregnancy," she told The Austin American Statesman.
While mosquito pool testing for dengue fever isn't routine yet in Texas, plans for more proactive surveillance measures are in place should a locally acquired case surface. As the symptoms of dengue fester—a spectrum ranging from non-existent to severe—the advised course of action remains to visit a healthcare provider for a diagnostic blood test, especially following recent travel to endemic regions, as explained in a report by The Austin American Statesman.
The preventative mantra against dengue holds a familiar tune: insect repellent with DEET, donning long sleeves and pants, installing sturdy screens, and eliminating standing water. These simple steps are reiterated by both Austin Public Health and the CDC, aiming to stifle the potential spread of this pernicious fever. Ultimately, while there's no specific treatment for dengue, mitigating symptoms with hydration and fever reducers help the majority ride out this viral storm within a week's time.
