The San Diego County Health Department is currently looking into the first case of locally acquired dengue fever in Escondido after a resident fell ill without having traveled to areas where the disease is common.
To ensure the safety of the public, the County Vector Control has started an emergency spraying operation in Escondido, targeting approximately 170 homes. The spraying began on Friday and will continue until Thursday, with the goal of reducing the mosquito population and preventing the potential spread of the dengue virus.
Dengue fever is a viral illness usually spread through mosquito bites. Although there have been 49 cases of travel-related dengue reported in San Diego County this year, the appearance of a locally acquired case is causing concern.
Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the county’s interim public health officer, mentioned that while the risk of widespread transmission of dengue is low in San Diego County, the County Public Health and Vector Control are working together to respond promptly and prevent mosquitoes from spreading the illness further.
The occurrence of locally acquired dengue in San Diego is not entirely surprising. Los Angeles County recently reported five locally contracted dengue cases, with Long Beach and Pasadena also recording their first cases in late 2023.
In response to the growing mosquito population and the recent travel-related cases, Vector Control carried out similar treatment efforts in Oceanside in September and in the Mount Hope area of San Diego in July as precautionary measures to reduce the risk of local transmission.
Symptoms of dengue usually appear four to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include fever, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and rash. Although most cases resolve within a week, severe cases can lead to hospitalization, shock, and respiratory distress.
To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, residents are encouraged by the county to remove standing water in and around their homes, use EPA-approved insect repellents, and wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Additionally, residents can receive free mosquitofish to help control mosquito breeding in stagnant water sources.
For more information on dengue fever and preventive measures, residents are advised to reach out to County Public Health or visit the county’s official health website.
