Precautions should be taken to protect against mosquito bites in Texas and while traveling internationally to countries where dengue is endemic.

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted health care providers about the increased risk of dengue virus infections based on an unprecedented number of cases reported globally and higher-than-expected cases among U.S. travelers. Most dengue virus cases in the U.S. have been linked to travel to places where the virus is endemic, including the South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa.

Dengue virus is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and about 25 percent of infected individuals become symptomatic. After about three to 14 days, infected people may develop fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes and headaches. Most people recover completely within two weeks. However, about one in 20 symptomatic people develop a severe infection that can be fatal if untreated.

“It is important for health care providers to consider a diagnosis of dengue virus and test for it if their patient has symptoms consistent with the disease,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “CDC has many resources for clinical management, including a pocket guide.”

The Texas Department of State Health Services urges people to not give mosquitoes a biting chance by following these steps to protect themselves and their families from diseases spread by mosquitoes.

• WEAR long sleeves and pants. Create a barrier to mosquito bites by covering up.
• APPLY insect repellent. Use EPA-registered repellent such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or 2-undecanone.
• REMOVE standing water. Emptying out water that accumulates in toys, tires, trash cans, buckets, clogged rain gutters and plant pots will deny mosquitoes a place to lay their eggs and reproduce.

People should also keep mosquitoes out of their homes by using air conditioning and making sure window and door screens are in good repair. DSHS urges people with dengue symptoms to contact their health care provider and mention any exposure to mosquitoes.

Since 2013, there have been 665 cases of dengue virus in Texas, including 40 cases that were acquired locally in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb and Willacy counties. Mosquitoes remain active in much of Texas into November and December.