Pasadena public health officials on Friday confirmed California’s first case of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease. Officials say this is an extremely rare case of domestic transmission and not related to international travel.
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This virus is usually found in travelers who have visited countries where dengue fever is present.
The Pasadena Department of Public Health and the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District are taking specific measures, including creating traps to assess and test mosquito populations. Test results to date have not found any mosquitoes infected with dengue fever.
“The Pasadena Public Health Department has been conducting surveillance and investigation of mosquito-borne diseases in Pasadena for many years,” said Dr. Matthew Feaster, PPHD epidemiologist. “Our efforts to date in collaboration with the Vector Virus Control District have given us confidence that this is likely an isolated incident and that the risk of further dengue exposure in Pasadena is very low.”
PPHD also helps raise awareness and educate residents on how to prevent the reproduction and bites of this pesky insect.
“The City of Pasadena is working with health care providers to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of dengue infection and coordinating prevention efforts with local and state public health officials,” said Interim Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur. Stated. “Eliminating mosquito breeding sources is essential to reducing the spread of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.”
To reduce mosquito numbers and prevent the risk of mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases, PPHD urges residents to adhere to the following standard precautions:
- Remove standing water from clogged gutters, rain gutters, old tires, buckets, drinking fountains, or any other place where water collects for more than a week.
- Make sure swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained.
- Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and other small containers weekly.
- Report an abandoned swimming pool in your neighborhood to the Vector Control District.
- Wear insect repellents that contain active ingredients approved by the CDC and EPA: DEET®, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Officials say the dengue fever cases in Pasadena are extremely rare and locally transmitted cases, and the risk of infection to other community members is very low.
