The first locally transmitted dengue fever case of 2024 is recorded in Texas.

In 2024, Texas recorded its first locally transmitted case of dengue fever amidst its highest annual case count in decades, according to officials.

A mosquito-transmitted virus was discovered in a Cameron County resident, the southernmost county in the state, as per the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The dengue virus has been highly active worldwide this year, with 106 travel-related cases reported, including one death in Texas, according to the agency on Monday.

"Since 2002, this is the highest annual case count in Texas. To prevent mosquito bites, precautions should be taken both in Texas and when traveling internationally to countries where dengue is endemic."

The dengue virus, commonly found in the "South Pacific, Asia, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and Africa," is transmitted by mosquitoes and about 25% of those infected exhibit symptoms.

"According to the agency, infected individuals may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle aches, joint pain, bone pain, pain behind the eyes, and headaches after about three to 14 days. While most people recover completely within two weeks, one in 20 symptomatic individuals may develop a severe infection that can be fatal if left untreated."

Health officials in Texas are advising the public to take precautions against mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and eliminating standing water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

In Texas, there have been 665 cases of dengue virus since 2013, with 40 of them being acquired locally in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Val Verde, Webb, and Willacy counties. Mosquitoes are still active in much of Texas from November to December, according to DSHS.