First Locally Acquired Dengue Case Detected in Pasadena, California Amid Nationwide Uptick in Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

California health officials deem transmission as an isolated event, with low risk of further dengue exposure in Pasadena; meanwhile experts warn of unpreparedness for increasing mosquito-borne illnesses in the United States.

A resident in Pasadena, California contracted the first locally transmitted case of dengue fever that wasn't linked to international travel.
Public health officials in Pasadena have stated that this case is likely an isolated instance and have emphasized a low risk of additional dengue exposure in the area.
Mosquito-borne illnesses are anticipated to continue increasing across the U.S. due to factors including climate change, urbanization and natural climate patterns like El Niño.
In 2023, there were 516 locally acquired dengue cases in Texas and Florida, according to CDC data, a notable increase compared to prior years.
Experts are warning that the U.S. is ill-prepared for potential future outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases, citing inadequate mosquito control measures and diagnostic capabilities in local health departments.