Cameron County reports cases of locally acquired West Nile, dengue

Cameron County Public Health officials on Thursday said they have detected two locally acquired cases of West Nile virus and a locally acquired case of dengue.

“These are the first locally acquired mosquito-borne disease cases for Cameron County this year,” officials stated in a release.

The symptoms for West Nile and dengue are similar and include high fever, headache, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, nausea, vomiting and rash.

“Additional symptoms of dengue include pain behind the eyes, and other symptoms of West Nile include swollen lymph nodes and sore throat,” the release stated. “Most people recover completely from both diseases within two weeks, but some may develop complications that will require medical attention as it may be fatal if untreated.”

Both West Nile and dengue are transmitted through mosquito bites. After an eight- to ten-day incubation period inside a mosquito that has bitten a person with the virus in their blood, the viruses can be transmitted. They cannot spread from person to person.

Cameron County Health Administrator Esmeralda Guajardo said as soon as a report of a potential mosquito-borne disease is received, the health department works closely with municipalities to coordinate mosquito spraying in the areas where the report originated while also conducting mosquito trapping to identify the types of mosquitoes in the area and to see if they are disease carrying.

“We do, however, want to remind our residents that it’s important that they take proactive steps to eliminate breeding sites,” Guajardo said.

The health department reminds residents to use insect repellent that has DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

“Spray exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Another option is to use permethrin, which should be applied only to clothing. Be sure to read label instructions on any repellent,” the release stated.

The health department also said residents should dress protectively while outside and recommends staying indoors at dusk and dawn when infected mosquitoes are active. Mosquitoes carrying dengue, however, usually bit during the day.

All standing water should be drained at residences as well.

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