All articles tagged with #mosquito borne disease
Los Angeles County has confirmed its first West Nile virus–related death of 2026 amid a rise in local infections (15 cases so far this year, above the five-year average). Statewide activity is also at a five-year high, prompting officials to urge residents to use insect repellent, remove standing water, and ensure window screens are intact to prevent mosquito bites, especially for older adults and the immunocompromised.
Michigan confirms a locally acquired human case of eastern equine encephalitis in Roscommon County, the first since 2021, with officials expanding mosquito testing and urging residents to take precautions while continuing to monitor EEE risk in humans, animals, and wildlife.
Virginia’s Department of Health says a Northern Virginia resident contracted dengue without recent travel, marking the state’s first locally acquired case. The infection is linked to an internationally acquired case in the area, but officials say the overall risk remains low while they monitor for more cases. Prevention guidance emphasizes eliminating Aedes mosquito breeding sites, advising bite prevention, and asking clinicians to consider dengue for acute febrile patients with relevant exposure, with diagnostic testing following CDC guidance.
The CDC issued a travel alert about a higher-than-expected number of dengue fever cases among U.S. travelers returning from countries including Vietnam, Cuba and Colombia. Dengue (breakbone fever) can range from mild illness to severe, potentially fatal bleeding, and travelers should seek medical care if symptoms develop. As of this year, 496 U.S. cases have been reported, and local dengue transmission exists in American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Panama is experiencing a severe dengue fever outbreak in 2025, with 25 deaths and over 15,000 cases reported, primarily affecting the metropolitan area and San Miguelito, raising concerns about the health system due to the circulation of multiple dengue serotypes and a significant increase in cases compared to previous years.
Rising global temperatures have extended mosquito breeding seasons in Canada, leading to increased cases of West Nile virus, including severe illness requiring hospitalization, prompting health officials to warn the public and promote preventive measures.
Dallas County reports its first West Nile virus death of 2025, a 70-year-old man with underlying conditions, highlighting ongoing mosquito-borne disease risks despite cooler weather. Authorities emphasize prevention measures like using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water.
A 79-year-old man from Madison County, George Caswell Baker Jr., has died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis, marking the first recorded human case of the disease in the area. Baker was a long-time volunteer firefighter and was hospitalized last week with the disease.
Madison County reported its first human case of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), a severe mosquito-borne disease, with the infected person hospitalized. The health department urges residents to take preventive measures such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water to reduce infection risk, as there is no vaccine or treatment for EEEV.
Vermont has reported its first human case of Jamestown Canyon virus, a mosquito-borne illness, in Windsor County, with no current treatments or vaccines available. The state has tested mosquitoes since July, with positive results in three areas, emphasizing the need for mosquito bite prevention as cooler weather approaches.
High West Nile virus cases are reported across 39 U.S. states, with health officials warning that the mosquito season isn't over yet due to a warming climate, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to reduce infection risk.
A severe outbreak of dengue fever is spreading across Pacific Islands due to rising global temperatures, with cases and deaths increasing, and experts warning that some areas are at risk year-round, prompting increased health measures and global research efforts.
A 70-year-old woman in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, has tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the first case in the state this year. The Department of Public Health warns residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the risk remains high in several communities, with ongoing mosquito activity and previous cases in both humans and animals.
The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel warning for China due to a surge in chikungunya cases, a mosquito-borne illness causing joint pain and fever, with over 8,000 cases mainly in Guangdong. The outbreak highlights the impact of climate change on spreading vector-borne diseases, and prevention focuses on bite protection and mosquito control measures. The situation underscores the need for rapid outbreak responses and global efforts to reduce heat-trapping pollution to prevent further spread.
A resident in Kent County, Michigan, has died from West Nile Virus, marking the first such death in the area in 2025. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found nearby, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures like using insect repellent and eliminating standing water. Most infections are mild, but severe cases can be fatal, and there is no vaccine available.