The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has announced the confirmation of a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, increasing the total of such cases to seven for the year 2025. This includes one case on Maui and six on Oʻahu. The individual involved in this latest case contracted the virus while traveling to a region where dengue is prevalent. Notably, this case is unrelated to those reported earlier on April 10 and 11, 2025.
In response, DOH teams have been dispatched to the affected area to conduct inspections and mosquito control operations. The public is urged to implement preventative measures to deter local transmission.
The transmission cycle of the dengue virus involves an infected person who infects a mosquito, which then transmits the virus to another person. While Hawai‘i is home to the mosquito species capable of spreading dengue, the virus is not endemic in the state, with the present cases linked to travelers.
Dengue presents a perennial risk in tropical and subtropical regions across Central and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, several Pacific Islands, and parts of the Caribbean. Travelers to these regions are advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take protective measures such as using insect repellent, wearing appropriate clothing, and ensuring protected sleeping conditions.
Increases in dengue cases have been recorded in countries like Fiji, French Polynesia, Tonga, the Republic of the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Travelers are recommended to consult current country-specific travel advisories about dengue risks and preventative strategies 4-6 weeks before travel.
For those returning from regions where dengue is common, protective measures against mosquito bites should continue for three weeks post-return. If symptoms suggestive of dengue appear within two weeks, medical consultation is suggested.
Dengue symptoms range from mild to severe, including fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and pain. Usually lasting 2-7 days, most individuals recover within a week. Concerned individuals are encouraged to reach out to healthcare providers, and suspected cases should be reported via the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.
In affected areas, the DOH's Vector Control Branch is active in inspection and mosquito population reduction efforts, vital for mitigating dengue transmission risks. In regions without reported cases, keeping one's surroundings free of mosquito breeding sites is recommended to prevent future outbreaks.
Common breeding grounds for mosquitoes include standing water in containers, planters, and natural water traps like bromeliads. Removing standing water can aid in reducing mosquito numbers.
Further information is available on the Disease Outbreak Control Division and Vector Control Branch websites.