DOH reports travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu: Maui Now

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has identified one new travel-associated dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the total number of cases identified in the state in 2024 to 12 (one on Kauaʻi, three on Maui, eight on Oʻahu). The affected travelers had exposure in various countries where dengue is common.

DOH teams have been deployed to the affected area for inspection and mosquito control. The public is requested to help reduce the risk of local transmission by implementing the best practices described below.

The dengue virus is transmitted from infected individuals to humans via mosquitoes. Although Hawaii has the species of mosquito that can transmit dengue, the disease is not endemic (established) in the state and cases currently occur only in travelers. Several regions of the world are currently experiencing higher than average dengue activity.

Dengue outbreaks occur in many parts of the world, including Central and South America, Asia (including the Republic of the Philippines), the Middle East and Africa, and some Pacific islands, including the U.S. territories of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau, as well as many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico).

Anyone planning to travel to or who has already traveled to a dengue area is at risk of infection. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to take standard precautions when traveling to dengue-risk areas. These include using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room, a room with screen doors, or under an insecticide-treated bed net. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases, so it is important to check country-specific travel information four to six weeks before travel for the most up-to-date advice on dengue risk and prevention measures for that country. Travelers returning from a dengue-risk area should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks, and if symptoms of dengue appear within two weeks of returning, they should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of dengue fever can usually be mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Symptoms usually last two to seven days, and although severe and even life-threatening illness can occur, most people recover in about a week. If you have recently traveled and are experiencing these symptoms, please seek medical attention.

In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue fever, Hawaii Department of Health (Vector Control Branch) personnel conduct inspections and mosquito reduction efforts. Reducing the mosquito population reduces the chance of transmitting dengue fever to other people. In areas with no reported dengue cases, it is good practice to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in and around your home.

With Tropical Storm Hone forecast, the DOH advises everyone to remove containers that may collect rainwater from around their homes and businesses. Also, remove standing water from any containers, pots, plants or tarps after the storm.

Mosquitoes only need small amounts of standing water to reproduce. Typical breeding sites in the home include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels, or even cups left outside. Simply pouring out containers of standing water eliminates the risk of mosquitoes breeding.

For more information, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites.