Virginia health officials have confirmed the state’s first known case of locally acquired dengue fever. The announcement marks a notable development for a disease more commonly associated with international travel.
The Virginia Department of Health said the case involves a Virginia resident. Because it was locally acquired, the infection was not identified as being connected to travel outside the area, based on the information provided by officials.
Dengue is a viral disease, and the case is drawing attention because local transmission has not previously been known in Virginia. Health authorities’ confirmation distinguishes this infection from the travel-associated cases that are more typically reported.
The announcement provides the state’s current public health assessment of Virginia’s first known locally acquired dengue case.
