Fifth Case Of Locally Acquired Dengue Confirmed In LA County

LOS ANGELES, CA — A fifth case of locally acquired dengue fever in Los Angeles County was confirmed on Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The person, who lives in El Monte, had no history of traveling to areas where dengue is endemic, officials said. This case is not related to the cluster of three confirmed cases that were previously reported on Sept. 18 or the case that was reported in Panorama City on Sept. 25.

With this case, LA County has now reported five cases of locally acquired dengue in 2024. Despite the sharp uptick in cases, public health officials maintained that these cases are extremely rare in LA

“This case further indicates that dengue can spread in our community. Preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding is the best way stop local transmission of dengue,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer.

The first known case of locally transmitted dengue fever in LA was recorded last October.

In 2024, local transmission of dengue has also been reported in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationwide, there have been 3,442 confirmed dengue cases in 2024 so far with two more months of mosquito season still to go.

People can be infected with the virus from an Aedes aegypti, also known as an ankle-biter mosquito. Since they were first detected in California over the last decade, they've entrenched themselves statewide.

"The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is committed to protecting residents through enhanced mosquito control measures and active public outreach," said SGVMVCD District Manager Jason Farned. "We are intensifying our efforts with targeted backpack and truck-mounted treatments, increased surveillance, and ongoing inspections to reduce adult mosquitoes in the community. Residents play a critical role in this fight by eliminating standing water on their
properties and protecting themselves with EPA-approved repellents.”

Symptoms of dengue include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. Symptoms usually last two to seven days and most people recover after about a week, though severe and life-threatening illness can occur, PPHD said.

There are no medicines or vaccines to prevent dengue fever, and most treatment includes rest, fluids and monitoring for early signs.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District recommended people get rid of all standing water. Most mosquitos lay eggs on the surface of the water, but Aedes mosquitos lay their eggs on the sides of containers, so simply dumping out the water may not eliminate the bugs.

It's recommended that residents do away with plant saucers and keep repellent handy to help control the spread of the Aedes mosquito.

"Mosquitos thrive in hot weather, increasing the risk of bites and mosquito-borne diseases," Davis said. "People should follow these simple steps to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and risk for mosquito bites: 1) Use insect repellent on you and your family; 2) Remove items that hold standing water around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed; and 3) Use, install, or repair window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home."