Is Dengue Endemic in Los Angeles

While the Dengue virus has progressively become endemic in southeast Florida and Puerto Rico over the past few years, recent reports from California indicate that this mosquito-transmitted virus may have found a home in Los Angeles.

As of November 3, 2024, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) reported 11 locally acquired dengue cases in the San Gabriel Valley, located east of LA's downtown.

The LACDPH has confirmed Dengue cases in the cities of Baldwin Park (7), El Monte (2), Hollywood Hills (1), and Panorama City (1) in 2024.

Last year, LACDPH reported seven locally acquired Dengue cases (Long Beach and Pasadena).

On October 15, 2024, Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer, commented in a press release, "We are still investigating, but these new cases raise concern about the potential for continued local spread of dengue through the bite of infected mosquitoes in Baldwin Park."

"As part of this investigation, Public Health and San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District teams will conduct outreach and offer testing for Dengue and enhanced mosquito control services for those living and working in the area. It's also important for everyone to focus on protecting themselves from mosquito bites and eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed and grow."

"Together, we can protect our communities from dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases."

In June 2024, the U.S. CDC updated a Health Alert Network Health Advisory, notifying healthcare providers, public health authorities, and the public of an increased risk of Dengue virus infections in the U.S. The CDC stated clinicians should consider Dengue in patients with fever who live in or have recently traveled to areas with a risk of Dengue. 

With the withdrawal of the only U.S. FDA-approved Dengue vaccine in early 2024, Dengue vaccines and candidates are unavailable in the U.S. but are offered in over 20 countries.