The Hawaii Department of Health announced on Apr. 9 that a new travel-related dengue virus case has been identified on Kauaʻi, bringing the state’s total to five cases in 2026. The individual had recently returned from international travel to an area with ongoing dengue transmission, and no connection to previous local cases has been found.
Health officials said that teams have been sent to the affected area for inspections, mosquito control measures, and community outreach. Due to specific circumstances surrounding this case, the risk of local transmission is considered low. However, recent and expected storms have prompted officials to remind residents about reducing standing water around homes and workplaces as a way to prevent increases in mosquito populations.
Dengue is not endemic in Hawaii but can be introduced by travelers returning from regions where the disease is present. Dengue virus spreads when mosquitoes bite an infected person and then transmit it by biting others. Mosquitoes need only small amounts of standing water—such as buckets or planters—to breed.
According to the official website, the Hawaii State Department of Health contributes to community well-being by promoting health education on vaccination and disease outbreaks through its Disease Outbreak Control Division according to the official website. The department aims to safeguard health conditions for residents through efforts in disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental protection per the official website. It operates as a public health agency focused on delivering comprehensive services across Hawaii according to the official website.
The department’s Office of Public Health Preparedness coordinates planning and responses for disasters and epidemics as detailed on the official website. Its programs extend throughout multiple islands via offices and resources statewide as outlined on the official website, under leadership provided by a director supported by deputy directors managing key programs as noted on the official website.
Travelers are advised by federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take precautions when visiting areas with dengue risk: use EPA-registered insect repellent; wear long-sleeved shirts; sleep in air-conditioned rooms or under bed nets; eliminate standing water; seek medical evaluation if symptoms develop after travel. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, rash or body aches lasting two-to-seven days—most people recover within a week but severe illness can occur.
