The Hawaiian Department of Health (DOH) has reported a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu. This case raises 2025’s total to five statewide cases, with one reported on Maui and four on Oʻahu. The virus exposure was linked to travel in a region where dengue is prevalent.
In response, DOH teams have taken action in the affected area to inspect and implement mosquito control measures. The agency asks the public to adhere to recommended precautions, which are crucial in preventing local transmission.
The dengue virus spreads from an infected individual to a mosquito, which can then transmit the virus to another person. Although the mosquito species that carry dengue are found in Hawai‘i, the disease is not endemic in the state. Currently, cases stem from travelers to regions with active dengue outbreaks, including areas in Central and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific Islands like American Samoa.
Last year, Hawai‘i witnessed 16 travel-related dengue cases. These cases were in individuals who had visited countries where dengue is endemic, such as Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses the importance of precautions for those traveling to dengue-risk areas, which include using EPA-registered insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
Travelers returning from areas with a dengue presence are advised to avoid mosquito bites for three weeks. If symptoms appear within two weeks after returning, medical attention should be sought.
Dengue symptoms often include fever, nausea, rash, and aches, typically resolving within a week, though severe cases can occur. Those with recent travel history and symptoms are encouraged to contact their healthcare providers.
DOH's Vector Control Branch (VCB) is actively inspecting and conducting mosquito-reduction efforts in regions with suspected or confirmed dengue cases. Reducing mosquito populations is a critical step in decreasing transmission risks. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites, such as containers holding standing water, can also prevent mosquito population growth.
For additional details, interested parties can visit the websites for the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and the Vector Control Branch (VCB).