LAist: As Mosquito Season Peaks, Officials Brace for New Normal of Dengue Cases

LAist recently interviewed infectious disease specialist Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate medical director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai, about a potential rise in dengue—a viral infection acquired by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito—amid mosquito season.

Experts at the California Department of Public Health say the Aedes mosquito population is growing in California. The mosquito wasn’t detected in the state 25 years ago, and today it is found in more than 400 cities—most of them in Southern California and the Central Valley.

“They've just been spreading like wildfire throughout California,” Ben-Aderet said.

Ben-Aderet told LAist the increase in dengue cases may be linked to climate change, as rising temperatures create ideal conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to thrive. With persistent warm temperatures, Ben-Aderet predicts dengue will become endemic, with cases occurring consistently rather than in occasional outbreaks.

“I think dengue is here with us to stay,” Ben-Aderet said. “These mosquitoes aren't going anywhere.”

Given the possible rise in cases, Ben-Aderet said that primary care doctors should be aware of the disease, even if they have never encountered it in their clinics. One additional challenge, he noted, is that hospitals usually don’t have diagnostic tests readily available.

“So you really have to suspect someone has dengue,” Ben-Aderet said.

Ben-Aderet told LAist that people with dengue may have no symptoms or may experience high fever, severe muscle aches and nausea. In some cases, the infection can be fatal.

Experts recommend eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellent and minimizing outdoor activity from dusk to dawn to reduce the risk of infection.

Click here to read the complete article from LAist.