Dengue Fever: A Mosquito-Borne Disease in Orange County

What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes a wide range of symptoms, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe, life-threatening complications.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including parts of Orange County.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms of dengue fever typically appear within 4-10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and can include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash
• Bleeding gums or nosebleeds

Treatment for Dengue Fever

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Treatment is supportive and includes:

• Rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Pain relievers
• In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluids and other supportive care

Prevention of Dengue Fever

The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites. This can be done by:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants
• Using insect repellent
• Eliminating standing water around your home, where mosquitoes can breed
• Using mosquito nets
• Getting vaccinated (a vaccine is available in some countries)

Orange County Mosquito Services

Orange County Mosquito Services (OCMS) is a department of the Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD). OCMS provides mosquito control services to Orange County, California, to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever.

OCMS offers a variety of services, including:

• Mosquito surveillance and monitoring
• Mosquito abatement
• Public education and outreach

For more information about OCMS and its services, visit their website at https://www.ocvector.org/.

Conclusion

Dengue fever is a serious mosquito-borne disease that can have severe complications. By taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, you can reduce your risk of getting dengue fever.

If you think you may have dengue fever, it is important to see a doctor right away.