Virginia health officials have reported the state’s first case of locally acquired dengue. A resident contracted the disease without having traveled outside Virginia. It is likely that a mosquito transmitted the virus after biting an infected traveler, according to officials.
At this moment, there are no signs of ongoing transmission. Officials have not received any further reports of locally acquired dengue cases. The announcement came on Tuesday, which highlighted the importance of monitoring mosquito-borne diseases within the state.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is known to spread dengue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize the need for preventive measures to control the mosquito population and reduce the risk of infection.