San Diego City Wire

San Diego County is investigating its first locally acquired dengue case. The affected resident from Escondido had not traveled to regions where the mosquito-borne illness is prevalent. No other local cases have been reported so far.

In response, County Vector Control has initiated mosquito spraying in about 170 homes in Escondido. This operation started on Friday and will continue until October 10. Dengue, a tropical viral disease uncommon in the United States, saw its first local case since invasive Aedes mosquitoes were detected in San Diego County in 2014.

Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the County's interim public health officer, stated, "While the risk of widespread transmission of dengue remains low in San Diego County, County Public Health and Vector Control are working closely to respond quickly to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the illness in this area."

Los Angeles County recently reported five locally contracted dengue cases this year, with Long Beach and Pasadena experiencing their first cases late last year.

The vector control team conducted similar preventive measures earlier this year in Oceanside and Mount Hope following travel-associated dengue cases and increased Aedes mosquito populations.

Dengue spreads when mosquitoes bite an infected person and then another individual. Symptoms appear four to seven days after a bite and include fever, chills, aches, nausea, vomiting, and rash. While most recover within a week without specific treatment options available for severe cases requiring hospitalization.

County technicians are reducing adult mosquito numbers using AquaDuet pesticide approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. They employ ultra-low-volume backpack sprayers for targeted areas and trucks for broader coverage. Information on treatment boundaries can be found on Vector Control’s website.

Public Health staff remain present in Escondido to answer questions regarding dengue prevention measures today and tomorrow.