Buzz
An Arizona resident has recently contracted dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, and the virus has been found in local mosquitoes. While dengue is typically seen in tropical regions, it may now be spreading in Arizona for the first time.
Dengue has appeared in the U.S. before, but it is rare to see local transmission of the disease in the 48 contiguous states. Florida, however, has reported at least three local cases this year, along with several outbreaks in recent years, the largest of which had 66 cases in 2010. (Before 2009, there had been no cases since 1934, according to Outbreak News Today.) Dengue is also prevalent in several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
So, how serious is dengue, and what should you understand about it? Let’s dive into the facts.
How serious is dengue?
Approximately 75% of individuals infected with dengue will not experience any noticeable symptoms. Statistically, 25% will become ill, 5% will develop severe dengue, and 0.01% may die from it.
It’s important to note that your risk of severe dengue is higher if you’ve previously been infected. There are four different strains of the dengue virus, meaning you can contract the disease up to four times. However, if you’ve had one strain and then catch a different one, that second infection carries a greater risk of progressing into severe dengue.
Common symptoms of a regular dengue infection may include nausea, vomiting, a rash, and muscle or joint pain. You might also experience pain behind the eyes. The illness typically lasts between two and seven days. During this period, the CDC advises resting and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol), but avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen.
Severe dengue symptoms may include abdominal pain or tenderness, nose or gum bleeding, blood in the vomit or stool, vomiting more than three times in 24 hours, or feeling excessively tired or irritable. If you experience these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
How is dengue transmitted?
Dengue is caused by a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. However, not all mosquitoes are capable of transmitting the virus. It specifically requires Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are active both during the day and night and can breed in small pools of standing water. These species are more common in the southern U.S. than in northern regions.
In contrast, the small brown mosquitoes found in more northern areas, which typically bite at night, are Culex mosquitoes. These mosquitoes do not transmit dengue, but they can spread West Nile virus.
For a mosquito to spread dengue, it must first bite an infected person, and then later bite you. If this happens within a specific area, it’s considered local transmission of dengue. Many cases of dengue in the U.S. are contracted by travelers who then bring the disease back home.
How to protect yourself from dengue
The best way to protect yourself from dengue is by avoiding mosquito bites, and you can also help safeguard your community by ensuring mosquitoes don’t have places to breed.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, which can include items like trash cans and tires that collect rainwater, sources like dog bowls and birdbaths, and puddles in tarps or on the ground. Regularly drain these items if you can’t prevent them from collecting water in the first place. (For example, if your dog has an outdoor water bowl, make sure to empty it twice a week.)
To protect yourself from mosquito bites, the CDC recommends using a reliable insect repellent (like one containing DEET), wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible, and using window screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
A vaccine for dengue is currently available for children aged 9 to 16 who live in areas where the disease is common. However, it is not approved for people who are only traveling to those areas.
