California Records "Extremely Rare" Case of Locally Acquired Dengue Virus

Pasadena, California - October 20, 2023

In an unprecedented and alarming development, public health officials in Pasadena, California, have confirmed the first locally acquired case of dengue virus, commonly referred to as “break-bone fever.” The infected resident, who had not traveled outside the city recently, contracted the virus, marking a significant departure from previous dengue cases in the state.

Manuel Carmona, the acting director of Public Health for the city of Pasadena, emphasized the rarity of this case, stating that it is “an extremely rare case of local transmission in the continental United States.” Dengue virus is typically associated with travel to tropical regions and is transmitted to humans through infected mosquito bites. This local transmission raises concerns about the potential for the virus to spread within the region.

The Pasadena Public Health Department wasted no time in responding to this exceptional case. Carmona revealed that surveillance and field teams have been dispatched to a Pasadena neighborhood to educate residents on measures to prevent mosquito breeding around their homes and minimize the risk of mosquito bites.

This extraordinary occurrence highlights several key points:

• Confirmation of the Case: The Pasadena Public Health Department officially confirmed the case on Friday, October 20, 2023.

• Local Resident: The patient is a resident of Pasadena who had not traveled outside the city recently, suggesting that they contracted the virus within the community.

• Local Transmission: This incident is a first of its kind in California, as it represents the initial case of locally acquired dengue virus that is not linked to travel.

• Vector of Transmission: Dengue virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, with the Aedes species being particularly known for its role in its transmission.

• Symptoms and Health Implications: Dengue virus can lead to symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, rash, nausea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, bleeding.

• Treatment and Prevention: Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for dengue virus. Supportive care and measures to prevent mosquito bites are essential in managing the disease.

• Preventing Further Spread: The Pasadena Public Health Department has undertaken measures to conduct surveillance and testing of mosquitoes in the affected area where the patient resides, in order to curtail the spread of the virus.

Despite the exceptional nature of this case, public health officials are cautiously optimistic, suggesting that the risk of additional dengue exposure in Pasadena remains low. The city is committed to taking all necessary precautions to ensure that this unique occurrence does not result in a wider outbreak. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adopt recommended preventive measures to safeguard their health.

The emergence of a locally acquired dengue case in California serves as a stark reminder that infectious diseases can manifest unexpectedly, even in regions not traditionally associated with such outbreaks. Public health authorities are working diligently to manage and contain this situation, underscoring the importance of community awareness and proactive mosquito control measures.