http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/
Distribution of Aedes aegypti (red shaded areas) in the Americas in 1970, at the end of the mosquito eradication program, and in 1997. 
Posted on 07/12/2005 11:13:03 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
July 12, 2005 — Matamoros officials have confirmed four cases of dengue fever and are investigating at least 35 suspected cases of the deadly virus in Brownsville’s sister city.
The majority of the cases were reported north of Matamoros and away from the Brownsville area, according to Josue Ramirez, Brownsville health director.
No cases of dengue have been reported here this year.
Matamoros health officials could not be reached for comment Monday. Mexican news media reported that the city was spraying for mosquitoes in areas where the dengue cases are believed to have originated.
Dengue fever is an acute viral illness that causes body pain and severe, flu-like symptoms, often accompanied by a bright red rash. People will contract dengue through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Local health officials said it is unusual for cases of dengue fever to be reported so early in the summer season. Dengue fever typically appears in late August, September and October.
“It is kind out of the norm. We’ve seen it here and there … (but) not in such a high number,” Ramirez said.
“Yes, it is a concern to us because they (Matamoros officials) are telling us there are a lot more cases. But it doesn’t mean that we can get them here. It is just a matter of time if it happens.”
Mexican state and local health officials did not return phone calls requesting information about the dengue outbreak in Matamoros as of Monday evening.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito — a carrier of dengue — can travel 1 to 5 miles and strong winds could carry the mosquito more than five miles.
Mike Castillo, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Brownsville, said winds in the Rio Grande Valley usually come out of the south and blow east.
Castillo said it could be possible for mosquitoes or other insects to be blown into an area, but added “it would take a strong cold front or tropical system” with strong winds to carry the insects.
In the meantime, city health officials have met with their counterparts in Matamoros to discuss strategies and ensure both cities are spraying for the mosquitoes at the same time, Ramirez said.
Mosquito spraying in Brownsville started about a month ago.
While Ramirez urges residents not to panic, he said people should take the necessary precautions when traveling across the border or stepping outside.
Residents traveling to Mexico for vacation should make sure they have updated vaccinations, allergy medications and have extra mosquito repellant.
People planning outdoor activities should wear shirts with long sleeves and pants while spending time outdoors. Precaution should be taken when mosquitoes are most active, during the early morning and early evening hours.
DENGUE FEVER SYMPTOMS
— High fever, up to 105 degrees
— Severe headache
— Retro-orbital pain (behind the eye)
— Severe joint and muscle pain
— Nausea and vomiting
— Rash
Source: National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Disease
lmartinez@brownsvilleherald.com
Brownsville Herald reporter Sara Ines Calderon contributed to this report.
I complained to the Dallas county entomologist about the mesquitoes and West Nile Virus, spreading closer and closer and not until their traps captured one of the infected pest would they spray...I'll expect no different approach for Dengue infected ones as well.....sad
How many folks do you suppose will have to dies before we decide to start spraying for mosquitoes again?
We had more effective mosquito control 40 years ago than we have now.
Thank you, Rachel Carson.
ANOTHER reason to close the border. If the mosquitos in your area dont have someone sick with dengue to bite on, then they cant pass it to you.
ANOTHER reason to close the border. If the mosquitos in your area dont have someone sick with dengue to bite on, then they cant pass it to you.
It's frightening. I have a daughter who is a mosquito magnetic. They get her in the winter when I've never known anyone to get bitten. And she picks every "bug" around; as a consequence, she stays unhealthy. She was in Matamoros 4 years ago this very week. These stories concern me.
Dengue is common here in Panama, so I don’t see any reason for concern. Yes, I realize the point being made is that it is “out of season” in Mexico. Dengue is like a bad flu case plus a rash. Like a bad case of the flu, most live, few die depending on the health of the person. No need for hysteria. But then again, I’m harden to it.
By the way, DDT would take care of this problem.
Border Dengue Ping!
Please FReepmail me if you want on or off this South Texas/Mexico ping list.
No need to panic people. You only have to worry about it if you are going out side!
People planning outdoor activities should wear shirts with long sleeves and pants while spending time outdoors.
Long sleevesand pants, in South Texas, in the summer. Seems like a great prevention for mosuitoes, and great way to bring on the heat strokes. Has to be really comfortable with all the sweating too.
Yep, that's it. Had it in the phillippines. Just like a bad case of the flu. Not deadly if you take senseable actions.
But. . .
How is dengue spread?Dengue is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito. The mosquito transmits the disease by biting an infected person and then biting someone else.
A few infected persons cross the border and meet up with mosquitos in Texas. . .
I believe for us refined folks, a few martinis throughout the day would be the prescribed way to return to one’s health.
(Just joking folks.)
The single most generous thing we could do in Mexico and Africa would be to reinstitute the spraying of mosquito infested water.
This has the added advantage of not being something the overloards could steal and profit from.
I've had the symtoms so many times I know I have probaly had it. Living in Panama it's hard to tell. I have had malaria and I never want to feel that bad again.
DEAD DENGUE TRANSITTERS!!!!!!!
TRANSMITTERS!!!!!!!!!(damn old keyboard).......
LOL!!! Panama has interesting diseases. There are also snake bites and insect stings that than can put a whammy on one, a few deadly.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/dengue/
Distribution of Aedes aegypti (red shaded areas) in the Americas in 1970, at the end of the mosquito eradication program, and in 1997.
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