(TheProudRepublic.com) – The Lone Star State of Texas faces a new health threat as authorities confirmed its first locally acquired case of dengue fever in 2024.
See the tweet below.
This alarming development in Cameron County, situated on the Texas-Mexico border, raises concerns about the potential spread of this mosquito-borne disease.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed the case, marking a worrying trend in the state’s battle against infectious diseases.
This year alone, Texas has documented 106 travel-related dengue cases, the highest count in over two decades. One of these cases tragically resulted in death, highlighting the severity of this growing threat.
Cameron County, home to approximately 425,000 residents, including the city of Brownsville, is now at the epicenter of this health crisis.
The term “locally acquired” is particularly concerning, as it indicates that the infected individual has not traveled to regions where dengue is typically spread.
While the mainstream media may downplay the severity of this situation, the facts speak for themselves.
The dengue virus, transmitted through mosquito bites, thrives in tropical and subtropical areas.
With global temperatures on the rise, likely due to natural climate cycles, there has been an unprecedented increase in dengue cases worldwide.
Moreover, the situation in Texas is not isolated, as Florida has reported over 50 locally acquired cases this year, while California has seen 15.
At least 4,962 cases have been reported nationally, with the majority in Puerto Rico.
This surge in cases comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert in June about increased infection risks, a warning that seems to have fallen on deaf ears in Washington.
“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,” DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH, said.
She added, “CDC has many resources for clinical management, including a pocket guide.”
While health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing, these measures need to be improved in the face of a potentially growing epidemic.
As the mosquito season in Texas is expected to last through November and December, the risk of further spread remains high. Residents must be aware of the situation, and the government must take decisive action.
Texas public health officials announced on Monday the first locally acquired case of dengue virus of the year was reported in a Cameron County resident. https://t.co/DMkAQ6yEhW
— ABC News (@ABC) November 26, 2024
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