Texas Reports Its First Case of Locally Transmitted Dengue Fever

Texas Reports Its First Case of Locally Transmitted Dengue Fever

At the start of fall, I reported on an ‘unprecedented cluster’ of locally acquired dengue fever in Los Angeles County.

Earlier this summer, I shared the news that Florida health officials issued a dengue fever alert after a second case of a locally acquired infection was reported in the Keys and several more were reported in Miami-Dade County, and that  200 New York and New Jersey residents have been diagnosed with “break-bone Fever.”

Now the Lone Star State is reporting its first case of locally transmitted dengue fever.

Texas’ first locally transmitted case of dengue fever in 2024 has been recorded as the state is experiencing its highest annual case count in decades, officials say.

The mosquito-driven virus was found in a resident of Cameron County, which is the southernmost county in the state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

“It has been a highly active year for dengue virus globally. As of today, there have been 106 travel-associated dengue cases, including one death reported in Texas,” the agency said Monday.”

Texas health officials are urging the public to take precautions against mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and removing standing water that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds.

Cameron County Health Administrator Esmeralda Guajardo said as soon as a report of a potential mosquito-borne disease is received, the health department works closely with municipalities to coordinate mosquito spraying in the areas where the report originated while also conducting mosquito trapping to identify the types of mosquitoes in the area and to see if they are disease carrying.

”We do, however, want to remind our residents that it’s important that they take proactive steps to eliminate breeding sites,” Guajardo said.

The health department reminds residents to use insect repellent that has DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

”Spray exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Another option is to use permethrin, which should be applied only to clothing. Be sure to read label instructions on any repellent,” the release stated.

The health department also said residents should dress protectively while outside and recommends staying indoors at dusk and dawn when infected mosquitoes are active. Mosquitoes carrying dengue, however, usually bit during the day. All standing water should be drained at residences as well.

This locally acquired case is significant as it indicates that the virus is present in local mosquito populations, potentially increasing the risk of further transmission within the state. So far in 2024, Florida has reported 53 locally acquired dengue cases and California recorded 15.

There were more than triple the number of locally acquired dengue cases so far this year, nationally, compared to the entirety of last year.

The CDC issued a health alert in June warning health care providers of an increased risk of dengue virus infection this year. Globally, new cases of dengue have been the highest on record, according to the CDC. They agency also noted that cases are likely to increase as global temperatures increase.

Most dengue cases are mild, with about 1 in 4 infected people developing symptoms. However, in some cases, dengue can progress to a severe form called dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.

The classic symptoms of dengue include aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain). Hence, its nick-name, “break-bone fever”.

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