The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has reported a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu. This latest case increases the total number of cases identified in the state during 2024 to 16, with one on Kauaʻi, four on Maui, and eleven on Oʻahu. The affected individual contracted the virus while visiting a country where dengue is prevalent.
In response, DOH teams have been dispatched for inspection and mosquito control in the impacted area. The community is encouraged to follow best practices to minimize the risk of local transmission.
"Dengue virus is spread from infected person to mosquito to person," explained a DOH representative. While Hawai‘i hosts mosquitoes capable of carrying dengue, the disease is not endemic in the state; cases are currently only seen among travelers. Several regions worldwide are experiencing heightened dengue activity.
Dengue outbreaks occur globally, including in Central and South America, Asia (notably the Republic of the Philippines), parts of Africa and the Middle East, as well as some Pacific Islands such as American Samoa and Puerto Rico.
Travelers to areas with known dengue presence are advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take precautions like using EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing protective clothing outdoors. It's important for travelers to check country-specific information about dengue risk before traveling.
Those returning from regions with active dengue should avoid mosquito bites for three weeks post-travel. If symptoms such as fever or rash develop within two weeks upon return, medical evaluation is recommended.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Most recover after about a week despite potential severe illness.
The Hawai‘i DOH's Vector Control Branch actively conducts inspections and reduces mosquito populations in areas with suspected or confirmed cases. Residents are advised to eliminate standing water around homes as mosquitoes breed even in small amounts of water found in common household items like buckets or planters.
For further details, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) website or Vector Control Branch (VCB) website.