MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Sutter County Public Health has recently confirmed a travel-related dengue fever case. Yuba County Public Health also recently confirmed a travel-related malaria case.

Both diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. In both cases the patient contracted the diseases by traveling to endemic countries in Mexico (dengue) and East Africa (malaria). 

The risk of either disease being transmitted locally in the Yuba-Sutter region is very low.  However, to protect yourself during international travel, Public Health and the Mosquito Vector Control District would like to remind all Sutter County and Yuba County residents to take precautions pre-travel, during travel, and post-travel to protect themselves from travel-related mosquito diseases.  

Prior to internation travel, review country-specific travel recommendations, health notices and warnings. Also, visit a travel clinic or your healthcare provider for pre-travel medical care including malaria medication. Pack an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent. 

Specifically for dengue, pack acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside of the United States) in your first aid kit. These medications can be used to manage fever and body pain in case you get dengue while traveling.  

During your international travel, follow steps to prevent mosquito bites to protect yourself and your family. Stay in places with air conditioning and with window/door screens. Use a bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue or malaria. 

After your international travel, even if you do not feel sick, travelers returning from an area at risk of dengue or at risk of malaria should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks so they do not spread dengue or malaria to mosquitoes that could spread the virus to other people. 

See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms that could be concerning for dengue or malaria. Tell him or her about your travel. 

For additional local information contact the Sutter County Public Health Office via phone at 530-822-7215, or via e-mail at [email protected]. Yuba County Public Health can be contacted via phone at 530-749-6311, and via e-mail: [email protected]