San Diego surfers in wild-eyed panic after first ever locally acquired case of dengue fever surfaces!

"Vector Control are working closely to respond quickly to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the illness in this area."

Now, any surfer worth her salt is very familiar with dengue fever. The mosquito-borne virus is extremely common in those exotic tropical locales that feature desirable waves and the aforementioned adventuring wave sliders are tangentially aware of the aches and pains, high fever and rash associated with the nasty little bug. Even the surfer who prefers cold waters and cold weathers is at least aware of dengue as it was first fingered being the cause of Andy Irons’ untimely death.

Well, San Diego surfers are currently in a state of wide-eyed panic as the first-ever locally acquired dengue case has just been reported in an area more known for India Pale Ales and fussy street tacos.

The county is reporting that a resident of Escondido became bitten by a mosquito and developed the dengue while not traveling to an exotic tropical locale.

Dr. Ankita Kadakia, County interim public health officer, attempted to tamp down fear by declaring, “While the risk of widespread transmission of dengue remains low in San Diego County, County Public Health and Vector Control are working closely to respond quickly to prevent mosquitoes from spreading the illness in this area.”

He then began spraying Escondido residents’ houses with toxic chemicals in order to kill the li’l biters for it is those pesky ankle swarmers that are most responsible for spreading the disease.

While there have not been waves in San Diego for months, now, any surfer who wishes to visit is being encouraged to go to Lower Trestles instead.

Over to you, now. What is the most exotic disease you’ve ever acquired? On a trip to Middle East, many years ago, I was graced with amoebic dysentery and forced to spend a week in a Jordanian hospital on heavy IV.

Those were the days.