Dengue is the most widespread mosquito-borne disease in the world. The transmission of dengue between humans is mediated by the bites of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, an invasive mosquito now found throughout the Coachella Valley.

 These mosquitoes can also spread Zika, chikungunya, and other viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To date, no locally acquired cases have been documented in California for this virus.  All reported cases are travel related outside of California.

Monthly dengue reports can be found on the California Department of Public Health website.

Symptoms of Dengue

The dengue virus causes symptoms ranging from high fevers to severe bleeding and shock, and can be life-threatening.

The most common symptom of dengue is fever with nausea, vomiting, rash, or aches in the eyes, muscles, or joints. To date, there are *no medical treatments for people suffering from this disease. Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week.

In some cases, symptoms of dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine to treat dengue. See your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms. It is important to provide them with information regarding areas you recently traveled to.

*New Dengue Vaccine 

A new dengue vaccine is approved for use in children aged 9 to 16 years with laboratory-confirmed previous dengue virus infection and living in areas where dengue is endemic (common). Endemic areas include some U.S. territories and freely associated states. The vaccine is not approved for use in U.S. travelers who are visiting but not living in an area where dengue is common. (*Source CDC)