The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, increasing the total number of cases in the state for 2025 to three. The individual contracted the virus while traveling in an area where dengue is prevalent.
To address this, DOH teams have been dispatched to inspect and implement mosquito control measures in the affected region. The public is advised to follow preventive practices to avoid local transmission.
Dengue virus spreads from an infected person to a mosquito and then to another person. Although Hawai‘i has mosquitoes capable of carrying dengue, the disease is not endemic there; current cases are linked to travelers. Globally, several regions report heightened dengue activity.
Dengue outbreaks are common in parts of Central and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Pacific Islands such as U.S. territories like American Samoa and others. Tourist destinations in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, also experience dengue cases.
In 2024, Hawaiʻi reported 16 travel-related dengue cases from countries like Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, and others where dengue is endemic.
Travelers visiting areas with a risk of dengue should take precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing protective clothing outdoors, and ensuring sleeping areas are mosquito-proofed. Due to rising cases in some countries, travelers should check country-specific travel information for updated guidance on dengue risks before departure.
Upon returning from areas with known dengue presence, individuals should avoid mosquito bites for three weeks. If symptoms develop within two weeks after return, medical evaluation is advised.
Dengue symptoms range from mild to severe: fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches typically last two to seven days. While severe illness can occur, most recover within a week. Recent travelers experiencing these symptoms should consult their healthcare provider.
In areas with suspected or confirmed cases of dengue, DOH's Vector Control Branch conducts inspections and activities aimed at reducing mosquito populations to lower transmission risk. In places without reported cases, eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites at home serves as a preventive measure.
Mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water found in containers like buckets or planters. Removing standing water helps reduce breeding opportunities significantly.
For further details visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites.