CDPH Warn People Traveling To Hot Regions About Mosquitos

Traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, Central or South America over the holidays?

Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control would like to ask for your help in publishing an important message for travelers this holiday season.

We would like to urge Santa Cruz County residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes when travelling to the Big island of Hawaii, or anywhere south of the United States (including Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean) during the holidays. There have been many cases of Dengue and Chikungunya virus in these locations. Both of these viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, can cause painful symptoms, and are a potential public health threat if brought back to California.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith is urging Californians to protect themselves against mosquito bites if traveling to Mexico or Latin America, where there have been increased reports of the mosquito-borne diseases Chikungunya and Dengue. Travelers should also be aware that there is currently transmission of dengue on the Big Island in Hawaii, and precautions against mosquito bites are advised; there are no reports of dengue transmission on the other Hawaiian Islands.

“We want all Californians to be extra careful when traveling to these regions and take steps to avoid mosquito bites,” Dr. Smith said. “The mosquitoes that transmit Chikungunya and Dengue are aggressive daytime biters.”

CDPH recommends that travelers prevent exposure to mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing and applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 according to label instructions. DEET can be used safely on infants and children two months of age and older. In addition, make sure that your hotel or lodging has air conditioning or doors and windows with tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes.

If you have returned from an affected region and have fever with joint pain or rash within the two weeks following your return, please contact your medical provider and tell the doctor where you have traveled. If your doctor suspects Chikungunya or Dengue, please protect yourself against mosquito bites until you recover. This will prevent spread of the virus to mosquitoes and potentially humans here in California.