Dengue fever is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by a virus spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito—the same mosquito known for biting during the day and thriving in urban, warm, and humid environments.

According to the Mayo Clinic, dengue is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas, but outbreaks have occurred in the southern U.S., including Florida, Louisiana, and recently in California.

Common Dengue Symptoms Include:

• Fever
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Pain behind the eyes

Severe Dengue Can Cause:

• Persistent vomiting
• Internal bleeding
• Breathing difficulties
• Irritability or fatigue
• Hospitalization in serious cases

There is no antiviral treatment for dengue—care involves hydration, rest, and fever control with acetaminophen.

How to Protect Yourself:

✔️ Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
✔️ Wear long sleeves and pants
✔️ Keep windows screened and doors closed
✔️ Remove stagnant water in containers around your home

The Aedes aegypti mosquito can also spread Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya, making prevention critical.

Learn more and report mosquito activity at comptoncreekmad.org.