Information Releases from Department of Health

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has recognized a brand new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, bringing the full variety of dengue instances to 13 within the state in 2025 (one on Maui, 12 on Oʻahu). The affected particular person on this present case was uncovered to the virus whereas touring in a area the place dengue is frequent and isn’t related 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 forestall native transmission, as outlined under.

Dengue virus is transmitted from an contaminated individual to a mosquito, then to a different individual. While Hawai‘i is house to the mosquitoes that may carry dengue, the illness is just not endemic (established) within the state and instances 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 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. Many fashionable vacationer locations within the Caribbean, together with Puerto Rico, are additionally affected.

Anyone who plans to journey to or has lately visited an space with dengue threat is susceptible to an infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises vacationers to take normal precautions when visiting such areas. This consists of utilizing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, sporting long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants open air, and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens or underneath insecticide-treated bed nets.

Some countries are reporting elevated dengue instances, together with Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Travelers ought to overview up-to-date, country-specific travel information for steerage on dengue risk and prevention measures not 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. Local transmission was reported in California, Florida and Texas in 2024, with Florida persevering with to report instances in 2025. Meanwhile, the Philippines is experiencing a major surge in dengue instances, highlighting the rising impression of the illness within the area.

Travelers getting back from dengue-endemic areas ought 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 gentle to extreme and embrace 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 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.

In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue instances, 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 instances, 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 vegetation (corresponding to bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outdoors. Pouring out containers of standing water can considerably cut back the potential for mosquito breeding.

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

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