Pasadena’s public health authorities have officially confirmed the first case of dengue , a mosquito-borne illness, in California on Friday. This is an exceptionally rare case as it was locally transmitted and not linked to international travel.
Dengue is a viral infection primarily transmitted through bites from Aedes mosquitoes carrying the virus. Traditionally, the virus is encountered by travelers who have visited regions where dengue is endemic.
The Pasadena Public Health Department, in collaboration with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, has initiated specific measures to address the situation. They are actively creating traps to monitor and test the local mosquito population. So far, the results of these tests have not shown any presence of dengue-infected mosquitoes.
Dr. Matthew Feaster, an Epidemiologist at PPHD, emphasized their ongoing efforts in the surveillance and investigation of mosquito-borne diseases in Pasadena, and their partnership with the Vector Control District. This collaborative work has provided confidence that the reported case is likely an isolated incident, and the risk of additional dengue exposure in Pasadena is very low.
PPHD is also engaged in raising awareness and educating residents on how to prevent mosquitoes from breeding and biting. Dr. Parveen Kaur, Interim Health Officer, underlined the importance of working with healthcare providers to enhance awareness of dengue infection signs and symptoms. They are also coordinating prevention efforts with local and state public health authorities, with a focus on eliminating sources of mosquito breeding to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
To minimize mosquito populations, reduce the risk of mosquito bites, and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, the Pasadena Public Health Department strongly advises residents to follow these standard precautions:
1. Eliminate any standing water in places like clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, discarded tires, buckets, watering troughs, or any containers that can hold water for more than a week.
2. Ensure that swimming pools, spas, and ponds are properly maintained and well-maintained.
3. Change the water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and other small containers on a weekly basis.
4. If you notice neglected swimming pools in your neighborhood, report them to your local vector control district.
5. Use insect repellent containing active ingredients approved by the CDC and EPA, such as DEET®, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
6. When spending time outdoors, wear loosely fitted, light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants to minimize exposure to mosquitoes. first case of dengue
Health officials emphasize that the occurrence of dengue in Pasadena is an exceptionally rare locally-transmitted case. They reiterate that the risk of exposure to other local residents is very low.