San Diego County has launched urgent measures following the first-ever locally acquired case of dengue in Escondido. The county's Vector Control team conducted mosquito spraying at approximately 170 homes over a full weekend to prevent further spread of the mosquito-borne virus.

The case is particularly concerning as the Escondido resident had no history of travel to areas where dengue is common. However, there have been 49 travel-related dengue cases in San Diego County this year.

Dr. Ankita Kadakia, interim public health officer, reassured residents: “While the risk of widespread transmission remains low, we are taking swift action to contain the situation.”

The rise in locally acquired dengue cases in California—reported earlier in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Pasadena—is attributed to changing climate conditions, which create more favorable breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

To combat this, the county introduced the "Fight The Bite" campaign, urging residents to:

• Dump and drain standing water
• Use EPA-approved repellents
• Wear long sleeves and pants

Residents can play a crucial role in reducing mosquito populations and preventing dengue transmission.