Texas’ first domestically transmitted case of dengue fever in 2024 has been recorded because the state is experiencing its highest annual case rely in a long time, officers say.
The mosquito-driven virus was present in a resident of Cameron County, which is the southernmost county within the state, in response to the Texas Division of State Well being Companies (DSHS).
“It has been a extremely energetic 12 months for dengue virus globally. As of right this moment, there have been 106 travel-associated dengue instances, together with one loss of life reported in Texas,” the company stated Monday.
“That is the best annual case rely in Texas since 2002,” it added. “Precautions must be taken to guard in opposition to mosquito bites in Texas and whereas touring internationally to international locations the place dengue is endemic.”
LOS ANGELES COUNTY REPORTS DENGUE FEVER CLUSTER ACQUIRED FROM LOCAL MOSQUITOES
A domestically transmitted case of dengue fever has been recorded in Cameron County, Texas. (iStock)
DSHS says the dengue virus – which is usually present in locations such because the “South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa” – is transmitted by mosquitos and about 25% of those that turn out to be contaminated are symptomatic.
“After about three to 14 days, contaminated individuals might develop fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint ache, bone ache, ache behind the eyes and complications. Most individuals get better utterly inside two weeks,” in response to the company. “Nonetheless, about one in 20 symptomatic individuals develop a extreme an infection that may be deadly if untreated.”
CDC WARNS OF MOSQUITO-DRIVEN VIRUS AS CASES SPIKE
A employee is seen releasing smoke throughout a fumigation marketing campaign in opposition to the mosquito that transmits the dengue virus, on June 24, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Aphotografia/Getty Photos)
Texas well being officers at the moment are urging the general public to “not give mosquitoes a biting probability” by carrying lengthy sleeves and pants, utilizing insect repellent, and eradicating standing water that gives a breeding floor for mosquitoes.
Dengue fever sometimes spreads by mosquito bites in international locations the place the illness is frequent. (iStock)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Since 2013, there have been 665 instances of dengue virus in Texas, together with 40 instances that have been acquired domestically in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Willacy counties. Mosquitoes stay energetic in a lot of Texas into November and December,” DSHS stated.