The diagnosis was confirmed by blood tests performed by the TDH laboratory in Austin. The woman, who became ill on Oct. 22, has recovered.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus spread to humans by mosquitoes.
TDH epidemiologist Julie Rawlings said the mosquitoes that carry the virus usually do not travel more than a few hundred feet from where they were hatched. TDH is alerting medical personnel in South Texas to be on the lookout for patients with dengue symptoms. Persons with these symptoms should contact a physician. Dengue is usually treated with fever-reducing agents, fluids and bed rest. Aspirin should not be taken.