Texas has recorded its first locally transmitted case of dengue fever in 2024, officials said, as the state’s annual case numbers hit the highest in decades.
The mosquito-borne virus was found in a resident of Cameron County, the state’s southernmost state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
“This has been a very active year for the dengue virus globally. As of today, there have been 106 travel-associated dengue cases, including one death reported in Texas. ”, the agency announced on Monday.
“This is the highest annual number of cases in Texas since 2002,” he added. “You should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites while traveling internationally to Texas or other countries where dengue fever is endemic.”
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The dengue virus is common in regions such as “the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa,” is transmitted by mosquitoes, and about 25% of infected people have symptoms, according to DSHS.
“After about 3 to 14 days, infected people may develop a fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes, and headaches. Most people experience complete illness within two weeks. ,” authorities said. “However, about 1 in 20 people with symptoms will develop a severe infection that can be fatal if untreated.”
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Texas health officials are now reminding the public to “keep mosquito bites at bay” by wearing long sleeves and long pants, using insect repellents and removing standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
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“Since 2013, there have been 665 dengue cases in Texas, including 40 locally acquired cases in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Valverde, Webb, and Willacy Counties. “Mosquito activity continues throughout much of Texas into November and December,” DSHS said.
