DOH reviews tenth travel-related dengue virus case of 2025 : Maui Now

The Hawai‘i Department of Health has confirmed a brand new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, bringing the entire 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 widespread.

DOH groups have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito management measures within the affected space. The public is inspired to observe finest practices to assist forestall 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 dwelling 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, equivalent to U.S. territories like American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. Many widespread vacationer locations within the Caribbean, together with Puerto Rico, are additionally affected.

Anyone who plans to journey to or has not too long ago 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, carrying long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants open air, in addition to sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens or below 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 evaluation up-to-date country-specific travel information for steerage on dengue risk and prevention measures no less than 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 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 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 (equivalent to bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left exterior. Pouring out containers of standing water can considerably scale back the potential for mosquito breeding.

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