Texas Department of Health epidemiologist Julie Rawlings said the species rarely migrate more than a few hundred feet from where they were hatched. She said the best way to reduce the risk of dengue fever is to eliminate mosquito hatching grounds by emptying sources of standing water such as old tires, tin cans, barrels, jars, birdbaths and flower pot bases. Dengue fever is usually treated with fever-reducing agents, fluids and bed rest. Aspirin should not be taken to relieve dengue fever symptoms. The illness is not usually fatal, but a more severe form of the illness, dengue hemorrhagic fever, can be life threatening.
Dengue fever is common in Central and South America and in Asia.
Texas is the only state in the United States where locally acquired dengue has been confirmed in recent years. Texas recorded one travel-related case of dengue fever in 1998. An outbreak of dengue fever occurred in Texas in 1995 when 29 cases were recorded, including seven contracted in the state.