Officials said Texas’ first locally transmitted dengue fever case was recorded in 2024, as the state faces its highest annual caseload in decades.
Mosquito-borne virus has been found in a Cameron County area. It is the southernmost county in the state. According to the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS)
“This year has been an extremely active year for the dengue virus around the world. To date, there have been 106 travel-related cases of dengue fever, including one reported death in Texas,” the agency said today. Monday
“This is the highest annual number of cases in Texas since 2002,” the report added. “Precautions should be taken to prevent mosquito bites in Texas. and while traveling abroad to countries where dengue fever is endemic.”
Los Angeles County reports that dengue fever clusters were acquired by local mosquitoes.
Local cases of dengue fever have been recorded in Cameron County, Texas. (Istock)
The DSHS says the dengue virus, which is commonly found in places like the “South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa,” is transmitted by mosquitoes and about 25% of people infected will develop symptoms.
“After approximately 3 to 14 days, infected people may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes and headaches. Most people recover completely within two weeks,” the agency said. “However, About one in 20 people with symptoms will develop a serious infection. This can be fatal if not treated.”
CDC warns of mosquito-borne virus as cases emerge
A worker is seen emitting smoke during a fumigation to eradicate mosquitoes that carry the dengue fever virus on June 24 in San Salvador. El Salvador (Photo/Getty Images)
Texas health officials are now urging citizens to “Don’t give mosquitoes a chance to bite” by wearing long sleeves and long pants, using insect repellent, and eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.
Dengue fever is usually spread through mosquito bites in countries where it is endemic. (Istock)
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“Since 2013, there have been 665 cases of dengue virus in Texas, including 40 cases that occurred locally in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb, and Willacy counties. It remains active in most parts of Texas through November and December,” DSHS said.
