SACRAMENTO >> The California Department of Public Health is warning all state residents to protect themselves from two invasive mosquito species making their way across the state that can transmit infectious diseases.
So far, those affected have mainly resided in Southern California counties and have been afflicted with dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever from the invasive mosquitoes known as Aedes aegypti, or the yellow fever mosquito, and Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito.
In September, Aedes aegypti was detected for the first time in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Since 2013, when this species was discovered in Madera, Fresno and San Mateo counties, it has been found in Tulare, Kern, Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial, Orange and Alameda counties, according to the CDPH. Also in September, Aedes albopictus, was detected in Kern and San Diego counties and has since expanded in regions of Los Angeles County.
The Department of Public Health is recommending that all state residents heed this warning, especially if traveling to or from Mexico or other countries within Latin America.
The CDPH said this year, about one-third of the 120 chikungunya cases brought into the state were first contracted in Mexico, with 91 percent of infections originating from Latin America. Additionally, 69 cases of dengue fever have been reported in California this year.
As many as 400 million people annually contract dengue fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of dengue fever can include severe pain behind the eyes, headache and joint pain, which are similar to symptoms of chikungunya. The chances of contracting yellow fever is less likely, according to the CDC, but flu-like symptoms may occur including vomiting, fatigue, high fever and weakness.
CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said there is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya or dengue fever.
“While the risk is still low in California, infected travelers coming back to California can transmit these viruses to mosquitoes that bite them,” Smith said. “This can lead to additional people becoming infected if they are then bitten by those mosquitoes.”
Both species of mosquitoes are known for their black-and-white stripes and can bite people during the middle of the day and readily enter buildings, the CDPH said.
To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, the CDPH recommends taking many of the same precautions as those associated with West Nile Virus prevention.
Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil and apply to the skin or clothing; wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes in areas or times when mosquitos are known to be most active; and eliminate standing water sources commonly found in bird baths or potted plants.
