Reports from health professionals in Mexico indicating an increase in cases of dengue fever.
The mosquito-borne illness is now causing some concern for residents here since levees are filling up with water.
A spike in dengue fever cases reported south of the border could be cause for alarm, but it's not says Regional Medical Director with State Health Services Dr. Brian Smith.
The mosquito born illness can cause joint pain and headaches and in severe cases death, but as far as valley residents are concerned, it's not cause for panic.
Dr. Smith says there area always reports of dengue in Mexico, but nothing we should be concerned about.
The mosquito that carries dengue has been a long standing problem in tropical areas and with recent storm systems cutting through South Texas, the perception would be that they are setting up shop here, but Dr. Smith says the water flowing through the levees is moving too fast to serve as breeding grounds for these mosquitoes.
In fact, the water that attracts the mosquitoes which carry dengue can be found in our backyards when we leave standing water in small places.
Keeping the kiddy pools dumped over when kids aren't at play this summer or spilling out standing water from empty flower pots left outdoors are simple tasks that could assist in the prevention of breeding grounds for mosquitoes which could potentially carry dengue fever or any other serious disease.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT