Information Releases from Department of Health

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a brand new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, bringing the full variety of dengue circumstances to 10 within the state in 2025 (one on Maui, 9 on Oʻahu). The affected particular person on this present case was uncovered to the virus whereas touring in a area the place dengue is frequent.

DOH groups have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito management measures within the affected space. The public is inspired to comply with greatest practices to assist forestall native transmission, as outlined beneath.

Dengue virus is transmitted from an contaminated particular person to a mosquito, after which to a different particular person. While Hawai‘i is house to the mosquitoes that may carry dengue, the illness will not be endemic (established) within the state and circumstances are presently restricted to vacationers.

Dengue is a year-round threat within the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, Asia (together with the Republic of the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa and several other Pacific Islands, resembling U.S. territories like American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. Many in style vacationer locations within the Caribbean, together with Puerto Rico, are additionally affected.

Anyone who plans to journey to or has lately visited an space with dengue threat is weak to an infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises vacationers to take customary precautions when visiting such areas. This consists of utilizing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, sporting long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants outdoor, in addition to sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens or underneath insecticide-treated bed nets.

Some countries are reporting elevated dengue circumstances, together with Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, the Republic of the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Travelers ought to assessment up-to-date country-specific travel information for steerage on dengue risk and prevention measures a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks earlier than touring.

Travelers getting back from dengue-endemic areas ought to take precautions to forestall mosquito bites for 3 weeks. If dengue signs develop inside two weeks of return, vacationers ought to search medical analysis.

Symptoms of dengue can vary from gentle to extreme and embody fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and physique aches. Symptoms usually final two to seven days, and whereas extreme sickness can happen, most individuals get well inside every week. Individuals who’ve lately traveled and are experiencing these signs ought to contact their healthcare supplier. Healthcare suppliers and people who suspect a dengue an infection are suggested to name the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue circumstances, DOH personnel from the Vector Control Branch (VCB) are conducting inspections and mosquito-reduction actions. Reducing mosquito populations lowers the danger of dengue transmission to others. In areas with out reported dengue circumstances, eliminating mosquito breeding websites across the house is a useful safety measure.

Mosquitoes want solely small quantities of standing water to breed. Common breeding websites embody buckets, water-catching crops (resembling bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left exterior. Pouring out containers of standing water can considerably cut back the potential for mosquito breeding.

For extra info, go to the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) web sites.

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