HOUSTON – Officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services announced the first locally acquired case of dengue virus in 2024.
The case was reported in Cameron County.
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Officials have seen an increase in the dengue virus globally.
As of Monday, there have been 106 travel-associated dengue cases, including one death reported in Texas. This is the highest annual case count in Texas since 2002.
Residents are asked to take precautions to protect against mosquito bites in Texas and while traveling internationally to countries in the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted healthcare providers about the increased risk of dengue virus infections based on the rising number of global cases and higher-than-expected cases among U.S. travelers.
What is dengue?
Dengue virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and about 25% of infected individuals become symptomatic.
After about three to 14 days, infected people may develop the following:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Bone pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Headaches
Most people recover completely within two weeks. However, about one in 20 symptomatic people develop a severe infection that can be fatal if untreated.
“It is important for health care providers to consider a diagnosis of dengue virus and test for it if their patient has symptoms consistent with the disease,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “CDC has many resources for clinical management, including a pocket guide.”
The Texas Department of State Health Services urges people to not give mosquitoes a biting chance by following these steps to protect themselves and their families from diseases spread by mosquitoes.
- Use insect repellent: Make sure you use an insect repellent that is EPA-approved.
- Wear protective clothing: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks to cover exposed skin.
- Eliminate standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly empty or treat containers that collect water, such as birdbaths, flowerpots, and gutters.
DSHS urges people with dengue symptoms to contact their healthcare provider and mention any exposure to mosquitoes.
Since 2013, there have been 665 cases of dengue virus in Texas, including 40 cases that were acquired locally in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Willacy counties.
Mosquitoes remain active in much of Texas into November and December.