Summary
What is already known about this topic?
Dengue is an acute febrile illness caused by any of four dengue virus-types (DENV-1–4), which are transmitted by mosquitos of the genus Aedes and are endemic throughout the tropics and subtropics. During 2010, an estimated 390 million DENV infections and 96 million clinically apparent cases occurred worldwide. Since 2005, two reported dengue outbreaks in Mexico that spread to Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border region have been reported.
What is added by this report?
During September–December 2014, while a dengue outbreak was ongoing in Sonora, Mexico, 93 travel-associated dengue cases were reported in Arizona; 75% of cases were among residents of Yuma County, which borders San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, Mexico. Among 194 persons in Yuma County surveyed, 152 (78%) reported travelling to Mexico ≥1 time/month, and elevated Breteau, household, and container Aedes mosquito density indices were consistent with an increased risk for DENV transmission, demonstrating that Yuma County is at risk for local DENV transmission.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Sharing surveillance data among local, state, and federal public health workers in the United States and Mexico can enable timely detection of binational disease outbreaks. Border communities with Aedes mosquitos are at risk for local transmission of DENV, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus infections. Public health messaging to the community should continue to emphasize the importance of mosquito control and avoidance, and conduct surveillance for Aedes mosquitoes to identify areas at risk and prepare response plans for imported and locally acquired DENV, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus infections.