Arizona Patient Diagnosed With Dengue Fever

PHOENIX, AZ — A Maricopa County patient has been diagnosed with dengue—a mosquito-borne illness—and may have been exposed locally, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department detected the virus in a mosquito trap in one neighborhood in the county, the county said in a news release, adding that Public Health teams will be visiting neighborhoods to offer free, voluntary at-home blood testing to people ages five and older.

The test will identify evidence of infection in the last several months, even if a person has not had symptoms, the release said.

“While previous dengue cases in Maricopa County have been related to travel to countries where dengue commonly occurs, it is important to understand if others could have been exposed or if this is an isolated incident,” said Dr. Nick Staab, a medical epidemiologist. “This is in addition to our routine investigations of anyone suspected to have dengue or other mosquito-borne diseases.”

Dr. Staab added that officials will use results to gather information about the risk of infection across counties and what agencies can do to help prevent illness.

Anyone living in the neighborhood where the virus was detected will receive a postcard on their door notifying them of the upcoming visit, including dates and how to get more information, the county said.

All previous dengue cases identified in Maricopa County have been related to travel, according to the county.

Of those exposed to the virus, one in four will develop mild, flu-like symptoms. However, according to the county, about one in 20 people with symptoms can become seriously ill, especially if they have been infected with dengue before.