Two more people have been found positive for locally acquired dengue virus in Baldwin Park, taking the total number of cases in the area to five, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
The new cases had no history of travel to areas where dengue is typically found, officials said.
“We are still investigating, but these new cases raise concern about the potential for continued local spread of dengue through the bite of infected mosquitoes in Baldwin Park,” L.A. County Health Office Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement. “Many people infected may not show symptoms, making it challenging to detect and control the spread of the disease. However, with the help of the community, we can make a difference.”
Spread of dengue occurs when infected mosquitos bit people are then bitten by other mosquitos. Those mosquitos become infected and continue the cycle, according to the department.
About one in four people infected have symptoms which may appear two to seven days after being bitten. Symptoms can include flu-like symptoms such as a fever, followed by severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and, possibly, mild bleeding.
Officials said the “small local outbreak” raised concern about continued spread of dengue in Baldwin Park and further spread across the county.
Dengue spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Sustained spread of dengue in a neighborhood occurs when infected mosquitoes bite and spread dengue to people, who are then bitten by other mosquitoes. Those mosquitoes become infected and continue the cycle.
Officials urged people to take proactive measures, such as taking advantage of free vector control services, including inspection and abatement of mosquito breeding sites at their homes.
Public Health staff on Tuesday offered some tips on prevention for residents and businesses in the area:
- They encouraged people to allow mosquito inspections at their home or site;
- They also encouraged allowing collection traps;
- They recommended people wear mosquito repellent;
- Keep mosquitoes out of your homes;
- Prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs;
- Cover water storage containers such as buckets and rain barrels;
- Clean and maintain swimming pools, spas and drain water from pool covers;
- Throw away old items in your patio or yard that can hold water.
For more information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.
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