News Release – DOH Reports First Confirmed Travel-Related Dengue Virus Case of 2026

 

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

 

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

 

KENNETH S. FINK, M.D., MGA, MPH

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

 

DOH REPORTS FIRST CONFIRMED TRAVEL-RELATED DENGUE VIRUS CASE OF 2026

 

26-015

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2026                          

 

HONOLULU —The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has recognized the primary travel-related dengue virus case within the state this 12 months, occurring on Maui. The affected particular person was uncovered to the virus whereas touring in a area the place dengue is widespread.

 

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

 

Dengue virus is transmitted from an contaminated particular person to a mosquito; then to a different particular person. While Hawai‘i is dwelling to the mosquitoes that may carry dengue, the illness shouldn’t be endemic (established) within the state and instances are at the moment restricted to vacationers.

 

Dengue is a year-round threat 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 several other Pacific Islands like American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. Many common vacationer locations within the Caribbean, together with Puerto Rico, are additionally affected.

 

Some nations are reporting higher-than-usual numbers of dengue instances, together with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cook Islands, Samoa, Vietnam, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Mali, Mauritania and Sudan. Travelers ought to evaluation up-to-date, country-specific journey info for steering on dengue threat and prevention measures a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks earlier than touring.

 

 

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 can vary from delicate to extreme and embody fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and physique aches. Symptoms sometimes final two to seven days and whereas extreme sickness can happen, most individuals recuperate inside per 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 doable 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) conduct inspections and mosquito-reduction actions. Reducing mosquito populations lowers the danger of dengue transmission to others. In areas with out reported dengue instances, eliminating mosquito breeding websites across the house is a useful safety measure.

 

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