The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a fifth locally acquired case of dengue in the region. Typically, dengue cases in L.A. County are only seen in travelers returning from countries where the virus is common. However, this new case involves an El Monte resident with no travel history, signaling local transmission of the virus.

This latest case is not related to the four other dengue cases recently detected in Panorama City and Baldwin Park. The Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, can transmit the virus by biting an infected person and then biting others. While dengue often causes flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, and mild bleeding, it can lead to more severe complications in some cases.

In response, the San Gabriel Valley Vector Control District will conduct truck-mounted mosquito treatments in El Monte on Friday, Oct. 4, and Monday, Oct. 7. The treatments will target mosquitoes at various life stages to help curb the spread of the virus.

Residents are urged to protect themselves by using insect repellent, eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, and wearing long sleeves and pants, especially during peak mosquito activity hours.

We will continue to share mosquito updates from across Los Angeles County!