By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating the first case of locally acquired dengue for the 2025 mosquito season in a San Gabriel Valley resident.
The person reported no history of travel to areas where dengue is endemic. The individual developed symptoms in late September and is recovering. While the potential risk for widespread dengue virus transmission in Los Angeles County remains low, this case highlights the presence of infected mosquitoes locally. It underscores the importance of preventive measures to control the spread of this virus.
Dengue is common in tropical and subtropical regions such as the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico), Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific islands. Although mosquitoes do not commonly spread the disease in LA County, most local cases have been identified among those who have traveled to areas where dengue commonly occurs.
“Dengue is preventable, and community action is our strongest defense. Preventing mosquito bites and mosquito breeding is the best way stop local transmission of dengue,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer.
“People should follow these simple steps to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and risk for mosquito bites: 1) Use insect repellent on you and your family; 2) Remove items that hold standing water around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed; and 3) Use, install, or repair window and door screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.”
Public Health is working closely with the San Gabriel Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) on enhanced surveillance, response measures and active engagement with the community. The SGVMVCD is trapping and monitoring mosquitoes and taking steps to reduce their population to reduce further spread in the neighborhood.
The most common symptoms of dengue are fever and one or more of the following:
- Eye pain
- Headache
- Muscle, bone or joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash
Dengue symptoms typically last two to seven days. Most people recover after about a week. About one in twenty people with dengue can develop severe, potentially life-threatening disease.
For more information, visit: ph.lacounty.gov/dengue. For questions or to find a nearby clinic or doctor, call the Public Health InfoLine at 1-833-540-0473, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
