State Health Officials Urge Residents to Take Precautions as Mosquito-Driven Virus Spreads
Texas has recorded its first locally transmitted case of dengue fever for 2024. This case emerges amid the state’s highest annual dengue case count in decades, as reported by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
The infected individual resides in Cameron County, Texas’s southernmost county. Health officials have identified a notable surge in dengue cases globally this year, with Texas experiencing significant impacts.
“It has been a highly active year for dengue virus globally,” the agency stated on Monday. “As of today, 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.”
The dengue virus, primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, presents a real threat in regions such as the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa. In Texas, residents are being urged to take precautions against mosquito bites both locally and during international travel to areas where dengue is prevalent.
Precautionary Measures and Symptoms
DSHS emphasizes the importance of protective measures, highlighting that about 25% of those infected by the dengue virus show symptoms. Symptoms typically appear three to fourteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes, and headaches. Most people recover completely within two weeks. However, the agency notes that around one in twenty symptomatic individuals develop severe infections, which can be fatal if untreated.
“After about three to fourteen days, infected people may develop fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes, and headaches. Most people recover completely within two weeks,” according to the agency. “However, about one in twenty symptomatic people develop a severe infection that can be fatal if untreated.”
Given the seriousness of the virus, Texas health officials strongly advise the public to “not give mosquitoes a biting chance.” Recommended measures include wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Recent Data and Historical Context:
Since 2013, Texas has reported 665 cases of dengue, with 40 cases acquired locally in counties such as Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb, and Willacy. This year, mosquitoes remain active in much of Texas into November and December, posing ongoing risks.
“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,” DSHS reported.
As Texas navigates this surge in dengue cases, the importance of community vigilance and preventative measures cannot be overstated. Residents are encouraged to stay informed, protect themselves, and support public health efforts in combating this mosquito-driven virus.
