Friday, November 21, 2025

LA County Deploys Control Measures to Reduce Dengue-Positive Mosquitoes

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County officials Thursday confirmed the presence of dengue in mosquitoes in the region, and began deploying targeted control measures to reduce the risk of disease transmission caused by the bugs.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District found what are known as Aedes mosquitoes in the county — the dengue-positive mosquito was collected from surveillance traps in Sun Valley, a community located in the San Fernando Valley. It’s the first confirmed detection of dengue in the Aedes mosquitos population in both the county and state, according to county officials.

L.A. County Department of Public Health staff previously confirmed seven infections of locally acquired dengue this year. These individuals were detected in the areas of La Puente, Sun Valley and North Hollywood.

While the risk for widespread dengue virus transmission in the county remains low, DPH encouraged residents to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito breeding and mosquito bites.

“The District is conducting enhanced surveillance, community outreach, and mosquito control efforts, including intensive door-to-door inspections and targeted treatments to reduce mosquito populations and limit further spread,” Susanne Kluh, GLACVCD general manager, said in a statement.

Kluh urged residents to use insect repellent and remove all standing water around their homes, as puddles and non-moving water can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

County officials noted that the detection of dengue-positive mosquitoes indicates an increased risk of human infection in the Sun Valley area.

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Individuals who contract dengue may experience symptoms such as a high fever, which could reach 104 degrees, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and a rash.

About one in 20 people with dengue can develop severe disease, which can be life threatening.

It’s typically found in tropical and subtropical climates such as the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Central and South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Types of mosquitoes that spread dengue are common throughout many areas in the U.S. including Los Angeles County.

DPH recommends that residents who are experiencing symptoms or who have recently been ill should visit their primary care providers and discuss dengue testing.

Sun Valley residents without access to a provider can get a nursing appointment for dengue testing at a Public Health Clinic. To make an appointment, people in the area can call the Public Health InfoLine at 833-540- 0473, available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“Dengue can be prevented, and our most powerful tool is community action,” said Muntu Davis, DPH health officer.

For more information regarding mosquito control, residents can contact the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at 562-944-9656 or LAmosquito.org.