EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Chihuahua state authorities are warning about multiple cases of dengue fever in the southern part of the state, while Juarez, across the border from El Paso, had nine confirmed cases as of Tuesday.
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. It causes severe flu-like illness for two to seven days, and on rare occasions, complications that can result in death, according to the World Health Organization.
The Chihuahua Health Ministry said it confirmed 44 dengue cases in the second week of October with no known fatalities. Twenty-four of those cases were diagnosed in the cities of Delicias, Jimenez and Meoqui. Seven cases were reported in the state capital of Chihuahua City.
Health Department Prevention Director Dr. Leticia Ruiz said authorities have started a public education campaign to prevent the proliferation of mosquitos that carry the virus.
Recommendations include eliminating stagnant water puddles in patios, not letting garbage accumulate and prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants outside and using mosquito repellant.
Chihuahua authorities are also fumigating brush near bodies of water in southern Chihuahua with a high concentration of mosquitos.
In the United States and its territories, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 5,878 confirmed cases of dengue fever so far this year. Puerto Rico tops the list with 3,638 cases, followed by Florida with 581 and New York with 258. Texas has reported 67 cases since Jan. 1 and New Mexico only seven.
El Paso City Health authorities were not immediately available for comment. The CDC map on dengue virus in the U.S. lists El Paso County as having one to four such cases in 2024.
For more information on the virus, visit the WHO website.
