"Dengue Virus Spreads Locally in California, Rare Cases Confirmed"

Health officials in California have confirmed two cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne illness, in individuals who did not travel outside the United States. This is an extremely rare occurrence of local transmission in the continental US. The cases, one in Pasadena and another in Long Beach, are under investigation, but it is believed that the individuals were infected with the dengue virus after being bitten by mosquitoes in their local areas. Dengue fever is common in tropical regions and can cause high fevers, headaches, muscle pain, and in severe cases, internal bleeding. The risk of exposure to others is considered low.