The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the first travel-related dengue virus case in 2026, reported on Maui. The individual contracted the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common.
Following the report, DOH teams were sent to inspect and implement mosquito control measures in the affected area. The department urges residents to follow recommended practices to prevent local transmission.
Dengue is spread when a mosquito bites an infected person and then transmits the virus to another person. Although mosquitoes capable of carrying dengue are present in Hawaii, the disease is not established locally and current cases are linked to travelers.
Dengue remains a persistent risk in tropical and subtropical regions such as Central and South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, several Pacific Islands, and many Caribbean destinations. Some countries—including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cook Islands, Samoa, Vietnam, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Mali, Mauritania and Sudan—are experiencing higher-than-normal numbers of cases. Travelers are advised to check up-to-date information about dengue risks for their destination at least four to six weeks before departure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers use EPA-registered insect repellent; wear long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors; and sleep in air-conditioned rooms or those with window screens or under insecticide-treated bed nets. Upon returning from areas with dengue risk, individuals should continue precautions against mosquito bites for three weeks. Anyone developing symptoms within two weeks after return should seek medical evaluation.
Symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. These typically last two to seven days; most people recover within a week but severe illness can occur. Those who have recently traveled and develop these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or call the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.
Preventing mosquito bites remains key in avoiding infection. Recommendations include wearing light-colored long clothing; using insect repellent; keeping windows or doors closed or screened; and eliminating standing water around homes or workplaces where mosquitoes may breed.
In response to suspected or confirmed cases of dengue locally, DOH’s Vector Control Branch conducts inspections and reduces mosquito populations as part of its prevention strategy. In areas without reported cases, removing potential breeding sites around residences is encouraged.
The Hawaii State Department of Health works statewide through offices on multiple islands providing health education on vaccination and disease outbreaks via its Disease Outbreak Control Division (https://health.hawaii.gov/). The department aims to safeguard community health through disease prevention efforts (https://health.hawaii.gov/) led by its director (https://health.hawaii.gov/), with preparedness programs coordinated by its Office of Public Health Preparedness (https://health.hawaii.gov/).
For more information about dengue prevention measures visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites.
