Health officers determine new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oahu, bringing complete instances to 14 in 2025

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has recognized a brand new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu.

The new case brings the overall variety of dengue instances to 14 within the state in 2025 (one on Maui, 13 on Oʻahu).

The affected particular person on this present case was uncovered to the virus whereas touring in a area the place dengue is widespread and isn’t linked to prior instances.

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

Dengue virus is transmitted from an contaminated individual to a mosquito after which to a different individual. While Hawai‘i is residence to the mosquitoes that may carry dengue, the illness will not be endemic (established) within the state, and instances are at present restricted to vacationers.

Dengue is a year-round danger within the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America (together with Brazil and Mexico), Asia (together with the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa, and a number of other Pacific Islands, corresponding to U.S. territories like American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.

Anyone who plans to journey to or has not too long ago visited an space with dengue danger is weak to an infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises vacationers to take commonplace precautions when visiting such areas. This contains utilizing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, sporting long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants outside, in addition to sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens, or below insecticide-treated bed nets.

Some nations are reporting elevated dengue instances, together with Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, the Philippines, Vietnam, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador and Nicaragua.

Travelers ought to evaluation up-to-date, country-specific journey data for steering on dengue danger and prevention measures no less than 4 to 6 weeks earlier than touring.

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 way of December 2025.

American Samoa declared a dengue outbreak on July 7, 2025. Meanwhile, the Philippines is experiencing a major surge in dengue instances, highlighting the rising affect of the illness within the area.

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

Symptoms of dengue embrace:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash and physique aches

Symptoms usually final two to seven days, and whereas extreme sickness can happen, most individuals get better inside every week.

Individuals who’ve not too long ago 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 instances, DOH personnel from the Vector Control Branch (VCB) are conducting inspections and mosquito-reduction actions.

Mosquitoes want solely small quantities of standing water to breed.

Common breeding websites embrace buckets, water-catching vegetation (corresponding to bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outdoors. Pouring out containers of standing water can considerably scale back the potential for mosquito breeding.

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

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