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PDN – A case of dengue fever has been identified on Guam, however, the Department of Public Health and Social Services says it was most likely imported rather than acquired here.
This is the second case reported on the island this year, according to a news release from Public Health.
“Although dengue fever is not endemic to Guam, unlike many parts of Asia and other parts of the Pacific, this new case highlights it as an ongoing threat to the health of our people,” said Chief Environmental Public Health Officer Tom Nadeau.
Public Health canvassed homes within the neighborhood of the confirmed dengue fever case on Monday, and the department is continuing its weekly mosquito surveillance in select areas with vulnerable populations and at ports of entry.
The dengue virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot spread directly from person to person.
Dengue fever is mainly spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which includes A. aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes. A mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person who has dengue in his or her blood.
Those who live in, or travel to, an area where the dengue virus is endemic are susceptible to getting the virus from mosquito bites. Although dengue fever is not endemic to Guam, the island has the type of mosquito that can transmit the disease.
Residents should do their best to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes and to assist in removing mosquito breeding sites.
Dengue Facts
- A person infected with the dengue virus usually will have a fever for 2-7 days (also known as the febrile phase). During this time the person can infect mosquitoes with the dengue virus.
- During the time an infected person has a fever, they should remain indoors and avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
- During the time an infected person has a fever, they should not go to school or work.