First case of locally-acquired dengue reported in LB

MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASE

People urged to clear standing water, wear bug repellent

The Long Beach Health Department confirmed the city’s first case of locally acquired dengue on Nov. 1. The resident has not traveled outside of the U.S.

It is the first case of dengue in Long Beach not related to travel and only the second in California, the first of which was identified in Pasadena.

“The risk of local exposure remains low, and the Long Beach Health Department is taking steps to prevent further spread of the virus that causes dengue,” the department said in a statement.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District called the case “a reminder that the establishment of Aedes mosquitoes in our community does increase the threat of local transmission of Aedes vectored diseases.”

Dengue is a disease that is spread by the bites of Aedes species mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites someone with dengue virus in their blood, that mosquito can then spread the virus to others. Most of the time, people with dengue have traveled to a country where the disease is common.

Most people who are infected with the dengue virus have no symptoms, but approximately one in four infected people will experience symptoms that may include high fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, or aches and pains to the eyes, joints or bones.

Symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days and most people recover within two weeks. Fatalities from dengue are extremely rare. There are no specific medicines for this disease, but health care providers can recommend treatments to aid recovery, including fluids, rest and medication for pain or fever.

The best way to protect oneself from dengue and other diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid mosquito bites.

Aedes mosquitos are active during the day and in well-lit areas at night and only need a small amount of water to breed. To prevent mosquito bites:

• Use a mosquito repellent with DEET, IR3535, picaridin or products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus.

• Wear loosely fitted, longsleeved shirts and long pants.

• Eliminate standing water around clogged rain gutters, buckets, and anything that holds water for over a week; aedes mosquitos can breed in a very small amount of water, including a bottle cap.

• Keep weeds, vines, hedges and grass trimmed; adult mosquitos like to rest in vegetation.

• Change water in pet dishes, birdbaths and other small containers weekly.

• Ensure that swimming pools, spas and ponds are properly maintained and report those that are not.

Aedes mosquitos are active during the day and in well-lit areas at night. Mosquitoes can breed in a bottlecap of water, which is why it is important to dump any standing water.