This year, we’ve had a record mosquito population, including fluorescent mosquitoes. As if something else were needed for this buzzing cocktail, a new virus is spreading at an unprecedented rate in California, according to official sources, and the October heat wave may just give it an extra boost.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas, and it is very common in Latin America. Dengue is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is characterized by its black color with white stripes on its legs and abdomen.
Until last year, all dengue cases reported in California were associated with people traveling to a country where the disease is common. However, Los Angeles County public health officials are now warning about the “unprecedented” local transmission of dengue.
Just this month, the county Department of Public Health has reported four cases of locally acquired dengue. Meaning, people were infected in their communities, not while traveling. Three were documented in the San Gabriel Valley city of Baldwin Park. The latest was reported Wednesday in Panorama City, about 30 miles to the northwest.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
First of all, it’s important to clarify that dengue fever is not fatal. It is a virus that can be contracted up to two times, with the first instance presenting flu-like symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they usually do so between 4 and 10 days after a mosquito bite and last for 2 to 7 days.
According to the World Health Organization, symptoms may include:
- High fever (40° C/104° F)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Skin rash
In most cases, dengue causes mild symptoms or even no symptoms and resolves within one to two weeks, and there is no specific medicine to treat it. It’s recommended to rest as much as possible and take acetaminophen to control fever and relieve pain.
In rare cases, dengue fever can become severe and lead to death. People infected a second time are at greater risk of the disease becoming severe. Severe dengue symptoms usually appear when the fever subsides and include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Vomiting or stools with blood
- Intense thirst
- Pale and cold skin
- General weakness
People with severe symptoms as described should seek immediate medical attention.
How to prevent dengue virus?
Naturally, the clear option here is to avoid mosquito bites altogether. This means:
- Using insect repellent
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and loose-fitting long pants
- Stay in ventilated areas and opt for AC to cool rooms instead of opening windows
In addition, it is recommended to take the following measures to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes in general, as they are vectors of this disease:
- Eliminate all unused containers that can collect water (cans, bottles, tires, etc.) inside and outside the house or workplace.
- Puncture unusable containers before discarding them. If not possible, break or compact them. Place them in sealed bags for safe removal by waste collectors.
- Turn over, cover, or store useful objects found outside that can collect rain or irrigation water (buckets, basins, drums, toys, etc.).
- Scrub, clean, and change the water in pet bowls, air conditioner or rainwater collectors.
- Avoid having plants in water. If this is not possible, change the water frequently.
- Fill plant saucers with sand to absorb excess water when watering.
- Keep yards and gardens free of weeds.
- Unclog gutters and rainwater drains.
- Pour boiling water on the inner walls of grates and cover them with mosquito netting.
- Keep water tanks and large containers (wells, cisterns, etc.) used to collect and store water covered.
- Keep swimming pools clean and chlorinated. Cover them when not in use.
Preventing dengue fever is essential to avoid (literal) headaches and to stop its proliferation in the state. However, as always, it’s important not to panic and, if you have any doubts, consult with the Department of Public Health. If you believe you may have contracted the virus, simply check in with your trusted health practitioner.