Health officials warn of increased risk of Dengue fever after floods

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — South Texas Health System is urging residents to take preventative measures to prevent the threat of Dengue fever following record rainfall across the Valley.

Following the record levels of rainfall that affected the Rio Grande Valley, an increase in mosquito population is expected.

An increase in mosquitos can lead to more mosquito-borne illnesses such as Dengue fever.

Dengue fever is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitos to people. In the U.S. there were nearly 3,000 cases of Dengue in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the Rio Grande Valley, nine cases have been reported to South Texas Health System just this year.

"The rapid increase in mosquito populations after a flood event like the one we experienced last week can lead to a higher risk of dengue transmission, as more mosquitoes are available to bite and spread the virus," says Eduardo Candanosa, MD, a family and emergency medicine physician affiliated with South Texas Health System`s freestanding emergency departments. "Moreover, floods often displace people from their homes, leading to crowded conditions in shelters or temporary housing, which can further facilitate the spread of dengue as people are more exposed to mosquitoes."

"Severe dengue fever can develop quickly and is considered a life-threatening medical emergency," says Dr. Candanosa. "So, its important to seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one experiences a high fever thats difficult to control along with generalized weakness, headaches, severe stomach aches, bleeding and persistent vomiting. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room."

Some tips to help avoid Dengue outbreaks are as follows:

• Remove standing water: After a flood, stagnant water pools can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, so it`s important to eliminate them. That includes discarded tires, clogged gutters and air conditioner drip trays.
• Empty and scrub containers: Regularly drain and clean containers that hold water like tarps, buckets, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers or trash containers.
• Tidy up your yard: Keep your yard and surrounding areas tidy to prevent the accumulation of water-holding items.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your home: Repair holes in screens and keep windows and doors closed to ensure mosquitos don`t have a way in.
• Stay indoors during peak mosquito activity: Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito biting hours, which are typically dawn and dusk.
• Use insect repellent: When spending time outside, apply insect repellent to exposed skin. Use an EPA-registered repellant that contains 20-30% DEET or other ingredients known to keep mosquitos away.
• Wear protective clothing: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants to cover your skin.