DOH confirms one other case of travel-related dengue

The variety of dengue circumstances in Hawaii this yr rose to 13 this week with the affirmation of one other travel-related case on Oahu. 

The particular person within the newest case was uncovered to the mosquito-borne virus whereas touring to a area the place dengue is widespread and isn’t related to any prior case.

In response, the state Department of Health has deployed personnel to conduct inspections and implement mosquito-control measures in uncovered areas.

While Hawaii is residence to mosquitoes that may carry dengue, the illness is just not endemic within the state and circumstances are presently restricted to vacationers. Twelve of this yr’s circumstances have been on Oahu; the opposite on Maui.

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

Increased dengue circumstances have been reported in Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

Dengue outbreaks declared in 2024 proceed into 2025 in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with Puerto Rico extending its outbreak declaration by means of December 2025. American Samoa declared a dengue outbreak on July 7, 2025. Local transmission was reported in California, Florida and Texas in 2024, with Florida persevering with to report circumstances in 2025.

Travelers are suggested to evaluate up-to-date, country-specific travel information no less than 4 to 6 weeks earlier than touring. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention additional advise vacationers to take commonplace precautions when visiting areas the place dengue is current. This consists of utilizing an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent, sporting long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants outside, and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens or beneath insecticide-treated bed nets.

The CDC advises vacationers getting back from dengue-endemic areas 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 delicate to extreme and embrace fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and physique aches. Symptoms usually final two to seven days. While extreme sickness can happen, most individuals get better inside per 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.

Reducing mosquito populations lowers the danger of dengue transmission to others. Even 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 embrace buckets, water-catching crops (similar to bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and cups left exterior. Pouring out containers of standing water can considerably scale back the potential for mosquito breeding, in accordance with the DOH.

Michael Tsai covers native and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He might be reached at michael.tsai@constitution.com.