The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is on the alert as the confirmed cases of locally acquired dengue hits 11. The latest reports include an additional case in Baldwin Park—the seventh for the area—and another from a resident of Hollywood Hills. These new finds escalate worries about dengue's potential spread within local communities, particularly as the affected individuals had no travel history to dengue-endemic areas prior to their diagnoses.
Health officials are insisting that the uptick in local dengue cases, especially in Baldwin Park, suggests ongoing transmission via mosquitoes. According to the Department of Public Health, healthcare providers are being urged to stay vigilant for symptoms of dengue, which include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash and possibly, mild bleeding. This is a departure from the usual protocol, as traditionally dengue concerns were primarily linked with recent travel history to tropical regions outside of the U.S.
"These two additional cases raise concerns about the potential for continued local spread of dengue in our community," Dr. Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer, stressed in a public statement. Providers are now advised to consider dengue in their diagnostic process for patients presenting fever and compatible symptoms and to order testing irrespective of travel history. Meanwhile, Public Health and vector control districts are reinforcing efforts to curb mosquito populations and to raise awareness on prevention strategies among local residents.
Among the preventative steps being emphasized are the use of mosquito repellent when outdoors, draining standing water around homes, and ensuring homes are secured against mosquito entry with well-maintained screens. With mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus shown to be the most effective, residents are being encouraged to arm themselves against possible bites. Additionally, Public Health is offering free vector control services for inspection and elimination of mosquito breeding sites around residences.
As per the statement obtained by CBS News, even as most individuals recover within two weeks from typical dengue symptoms, the disease can lead to severe complications including severe bleeding, shock, trouble breathing, and organ damage in rarer cases. For further information on dengue, its symptoms, and protective measures, the public is directed to visit the LA County Public Health website, and for direct assistance, to connect with the Public Health InfoLine.