DOH studies travel-related Zika, dengue circumstances on Oahu

The Hawaii Department of Health mentioned a travel-related Zika virus case has been confirmed on Oahu.

It is Hawaii’s first confirmed Zika case this 12 months. Another travel-related Zika case was reported in Hawaii, additionally on Oahu, in May of final 12 months.

DOH mentioned travel-associated circumstances have been extra continuously reported in Hawaii between 2015 to 2019, when Zika was circulating globally, and peaked at 25 circumstances in 2017. To date, no regionally acquired circumstances have been documented in Hawaii.

The Zika virus – like dengue — spreads primarily via the chew of an contaminated mosquito. While Hawaii has the mosquito species able to transmitting Zika, the virus will not be established in Hawaii.

It can be unfold via intercourse, or to a fetus throughout being pregnant, based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – and an infection throughout being pregnant could cause critical start defects and is linked to issues, together with miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm start.

The commonest signs of Zika embrace fever, rash, headache, pink eyes and joint and muscle ache. Many individuals contaminated with Zika, nevertheless, can have no signs or solely have gentle signs, CDC mentioned.

Separately, DOH additionally confirmed one other travel-related case of dengue on Oahu, which shall be counted because the fifteenth case of dengue in Hawaii in 2025 based mostly on when the signs started.

Symptoms of dengue embrace fever, rash, nausea, vomiting and aches and pains, together with eye ache.

The circumstances are usually not associated to 1 one other, based on DOH, and affected people have been uncovered whereas touring in areas the place the viruses are recognized to flow into.

”DOH groups have been deployed to conduct outreach, inspections and implement mosquito management measures within the affected areas,” the division mentioned. “Because both Zika and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes that exist locally, controlling mosquito populations in the affected areas is critical to preventing spread.”

DOH mentioned it will proceed to observe mosquito numbers within the affected areas, however didn’t disclose what components of Oahu have been impacted.

CDC advises vacationers to examine Zika and dengue danger info earlier than departure. Anyone experiencing signs inside two weeks after visiting an space with danger of Zika or dengue ought to seek the advice of their docs and inform them of attainable publicity.

Health care suppliers and anybody who suspect Zika or dengue an infection also needs to name the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.