In addition to illegal migration, the Texas-Mexico border is experiencing another crisis. There have been reports of dengue fever in that region. It is the first major outbreak in more than 20 years. Brownsville, Texas, reported the first case in November.
Dengue Fever Surge Hits Texas-Mexico Border
The Texas-Mexico border region is experiencing a significant surge in Dengue fever cases, the largest increase in Texas in over two decades. Health officials on both sides of the border are concerned as the mosquito-borne virus causes an increase in adverse health outcomes, particularly in Mexico, where hospitalization and mortality rates are rising.
As of November 25, Texas had 106 Dengue cases linked to travel, with one fatality. This is the highest annual case count since 2002, emphasizing the gravity of the current outbreak. The situation became concerning when the first locally acquired Dengue case of the year was reported in November in Brownsville, Cameron County, indicating that the virus is now being transmitted in Texas.
For the first time this year, a person has contracted dengue virus in Texas.
Dengue virus is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, eye pain, and headaches.
For more information, visit https://t.co/OLMX8vyLpt. pic.twitter.com/e5gSdEWqAJ
— Texas DSHS (@TexasDSHS) November 26, 2024
Mexico Faces Graver Consequences
While Texas is dealing with an increase in cases, the situation in Mexico appears to be far worse. Matamoros, in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas, reported 33 deaths and 340 infections in just 2024. This year, 163 residents of another border city, Reynosa, tested positive for Dengue. The state of Coahuila reported 33 deaths and nearly 5,000 cases, with the majority concentrated in Saltillo.
Piedras Negras, a city near Eagle Pass, Texas, is facing a particularly difficult situation, with a 50% positive Dengue test rate. The city is also dealing with a shortage of blood and plasma for treatment, complicating efforts to contain the outbreak.
The first locally-acquired case of dengue fever in 2024 has been reported in Texas. Here's where. https://t.co/bOQdMac7ar
— WFAA (@wfaa) November 26, 2024
Understanding Dengue Fever
Dengue virus, which is transmitted by mosquitos, causes symptoms in approximately 25% of infected people. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, rash, muscle and joint pain, and headaches. While most people recover within two weeks, severe infections occur in approximately one out of every twenty symptomatic cases and can be fatal if not treated.
A study comparing infection rates in border cities found that lifestyle differences played a role. For example, the prevalence of air conditioning in Laredo, Texas, was found to lower infection rates when compared to its Mexican counterparts. Economic factors are important, with residents in Mexican border cities spending more time outdoors and living in less protective housing, resulting in increased exposure to mosquito bites and, as a result, infection rates.
Prevention and Precautions
Texas health officials strongly advise residents and visitors to avoid mosquito bites, particularly when traveling to Dengue-endemic countries. These precautions include using insect repellents, dressing in protective clothing, and eliminating standing water where mosquitos breed.
As the outbreak continues to develop, Coordinated efforts between US and Mexican health authorities will be critical in preventing the spread of Dengue fever and protecting vulnerable populations on the border. The situation emphasizes the need for better vector control measures and public health strategies to address the region’s growing mosquito-borne disease problem.
Sources:
- Dengue Fever Hits Texas Border Region, Highest Infection
- Texas reports first locally acquired dengue case of 2024
