News Release – DOH Reports Travel-Related Dengue Virus Case in O’ahu Resident

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 TRAVEL-RELATED DENGUE VIRUS CASE

IN OʻAHU RESIDENT

26-076

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2026

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has recognized a brand new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the entire variety of dengue circumstances within the state to 6 for 2026. 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.

Due to specifics of this case, the anticipated danger of transmission is low. However, this case is an effective reminder for the general public to scale back standing water as a lot as doable to assist forestall a rise in mosquitoes, to scale back the danger of native transmission of vector-borne ailments.

Mosquitoes want solely small quantities of standing water to breed. Common breeding websites embrace buckets, water-catching crops (similar to bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left exterior. Prevent standing water from amassing across the house and office by pouring out containers to stop mosquitoes from laying eggs. More data on mosquito management may be discovered here.

Dengue virus is transmitted from an contaminated particular person to a mosquito after which to a different particular person. While Hawai‘i is house 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 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 several other Pacific Islands like American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. Many in style vacationer locations within the Caribbean, together with Puerto Rico, are additionally affected.

Some nations are reporting higher-than-usual numbers of dengue circumstances, together with Samoa, Vietnam, Colombia, Cambodia, Maldives, Mali, New Caledonia, Timor-Leste, Bolivia and Guyana. Travelers ought to assessment up-to-date, country-specific journey data for steering on dengue danger and prevention measures at the least 4 to 6 weeks earlier than touring.

Anyone who plans to journey to or has lately visited an space with dengue danger 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 outside and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens, or underneath insecticide-treated bed nets.

Travelers getting 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 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 per 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 circumstances, 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 circumstances, eliminating mosquito breeding websites across the house is a useful safety measure.

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