The Hawaii Department of Health announced on Mar. 9 that a new travel-related dengue virus case has been identified on Oʻahu, raising the state’s total to three cases for 2026. The individual contracted the virus while traveling in an area where dengue is common.
This update highlights ongoing concerns about imported cases of mosquito-borne illnesses and the importance of public health measures to prevent local transmission. The department said its teams have been deployed to inspect and implement mosquito control efforts in the affected area, urging residents to follow prevention guidelines.
Dengue is transmitted from person to mosquito and then to another person. While mosquitoes capable of carrying dengue are present in Hawaii, the disease is not established locally and current cases are limited to travelers. Dengue remains a year-round risk in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Central and South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, several Pacific Islands, and popular Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico. Some countries are experiencing higher than usual numbers of dengue cases this year.
Travelers are advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing outdoors, sleep in protected environments, and take precautions against mosquito bites for three weeks after returning from areas with dengue risk. Anyone developing symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, rash or body aches within two weeks of return should seek medical evaluation.
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 and environmental conditions for residents through disease prevention efforts per its official website. It is headed by a director supported by deputy directors managing key programs as noted online, with services extended across multiple islands as outlined on its website.
The department is recognized for public health preparedness via its Office of Public Health Preparedness coordinating disaster response as detailed online. It operates as a comprehensive public health agency focused on wellness across Hawaii according to its official site.
Mosquito bite prevention remains crucial: wearing light-colored long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, keeping living spaces screened or closed off from mosquitoes, and eliminating standing water around homes can help reduce breeding sites. In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue cases, Vector Control Branch personnel conduct inspections and reduction activities.
