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Dengue

In 2023, a viral infection known as Dengue was discovered to be circulating in the local Aedes mosquito population in both Long Beach and Pasadena, California. Since then, Dengue has been detected in several other areas of Southern California. As of the end of the 2024 mosquito season, Dengue was NOT found to be circulating in the local mosquito population in the Antelope Valley, although mitigating this mosquito population still remains of utmost importance to avoid  both nuisance issues and the potential of disease spread. 

A mosquito feeding on human skin with a yellow background.
Aedes Mosquito 

Key Facts about Dengue:

  • Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
  • About half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 100–400 million infections occurring each year.
  • Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
  • While many dengue infections are asymptomatic or produce only mild illness, the virus can occasionally cause more severe cases, and even death.
  • Prevention and control of dengue depend on vector control. There is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue, and early detection and access to proper medical care greatly lower fatality rates of severe dengue.

Overview of Dengue:

A cartoon of a mosquito on a human arm with a red spot indicating a bite.

Dengue (break-bone fever) is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.

Illustration of a sad person with a thermometer in their mouth, looking unwell with sweat drops.

Most people who get dengue will not have symptoms. But for those who do, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Most will get better in 1–2 weeks. Some people develop severe dengue and need care in a hospital. 

In severe cases, dengue can be fatal.  

An illustration of a mosquito repellent spray bottle.

You can lower your risk of dengue by avoiding mosquito bites especially during the day.

Dengue is treated with pain medicine as there is no specific treatment currently.

 

For more in-depth information on Dengue, visit the World Health Organization website

 

To stay up-to-date on Dengue transmission in California, please view the California Department of Public Health CDPH website

 

For more information on how to control Aedes mosquitoes aroud your home, visit our Aedes webpage and also our Do-it-Yourself Mosquito Control help page.