Dengue Patient Confirmed in Escondido California

San Diego County's Communications Office recently announced it is investigating the first-ever case of locally acquired dengue. The Escondido resident did not travel to an area where the mosquito-transmitted illness is common.

"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," said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, County interim public health officer, in a press release.

However, the County did not disclose whether this person has visited east Los Angeles, about 120 miles to the north, where several dengue cases have been confirmed over the last month. Five locally acquired dengue cases were reported in the San Gabriel Valley.

Additionally, over 200 travel-related dengue cases have been confirmed in California this year.

Furthermore, to the south of San Diego, Mexico has reported over 339,000 dengue cases and 172 related fatalities in 2024.

On October 6, 2024, the County confirmed that to protect the public's health and keep mosquitoes from potentially spreading the dengue virus, County Vector Control began spraying for mosquitoes at about 170 homes in Escondido and will continue through October 10, 2024. 

Last year, Long Beach and Pasadena reported locally acquired dengue cases.

As of October 7, 2024, dengue vaccines are not offered in California.