The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu. The individual had traveled to a region where dengue is known to be spread.
Symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Symptoms typically last two to seven days. Although severe and even life-threatening illness can occur, most people recover after about a week. The DOH advises individuals who have recently traveled to areas where dengue is common and are experiencing these symptoms to contact their health care provider.
There have been five confirmed travel-related dengue cases identified in the state so far in 2024: one on Maui and four on Oʻahu. These cases involved travel exposure from various locations around the world where dengue transmission is known to occur. Multiple regions globally are currently experiencing higher-than-normal dengue activity.
Dengue virus is spread from an infected person to a mosquito and then to another person. While Hawaiʻi hosts mosquitoes capable of carrying dengue, the disease is not endemic in the state; recent cases have only been found among travelers. Dengue outbreaks occur in many parts of the world including Central and South America, Asia (including the Republic of the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa, some Pacific Islands (including U.S. territories such as American Samoa), Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, and popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico).
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises travelers to take precautions when traveling to areas with a risk of dengue infection:
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
- Sleep in air-conditioned rooms or rooms with window screens or under insecticide-treated bed nets.
Travelers should review country-specific travel information for up-to-date guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures four to six weeks before traveling. Upon returning from an area with a risk of dengue, individuals should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If symptoms develop within two weeks upon return, they should seek medical evaluation.
In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue cases, Hawaiʻi DOH personnel conduct inspections and mosquito-reducing activities through its Vector Control Branch. Reducing mosquito populations decreases the chances of transmitting dengue further. In areas without reported cases, eliminating mosquito-breeding sites at home remains essential since mosquitoes need only small amounts of standing water to breed.
Common breeding sites include:
- Buckets
- Water-catching plants (such as bromeliads)
- Small containers
- Planters
- Rain barrels
- Cups left outside
Pouring out containers with standing water helps eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Regardless of location, if an area is prone to mosquitoes, wearing long sleeves and pants or using approved EPA-registered repellents—especially at dusk and dawn—can reduce mosquito bites.
For more information, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) website or Vector Control Branch (VCB) website.