Dengue Virus Case Reported in Hawai‘i
The Hawai‘i Department of Health recently announced a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the total for 2026 to eight cases. All affected individuals have traveled to regions where dengue is prevalent, and no connections to prior cases in Hawaiʻi have been identified.
Key Information:
- Transmission: Dengue is transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito and then to another person. With the current circumstances, the risk of local transmission is considered low.
- Preventive Measures: Following recent heavy rainfall, residents are urged to eliminate standing water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding, thereby reducing the risk of vector-borne diseases.
Additional Resources:
- For mosquito control information, visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Health’s Vector Control Branch website.
- For travel health information regarding dengue, check the CDC travel website.
Travel Advisories:
Travelers to areas with dengue risk should:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
- Stay in air-conditioned accommodations or those with proper window screens.
- Use insecticide-treated bed nets if necessary.
Symptoms & Treatment:
Symptoms of dengue may include:
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
- Body aches
While severe cases can occur, most individuals recover within a week. Those experiencing symptoms after traveling should contact their healthcare provider and may need to report their condition via the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.
Mosquito Control:
Health Department teams will continue inspections and mosquito-reduction activities in areas with confirmed dengue cases. Residents are encouraged to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, including:
- Emptying containers
- Checking water-catching plants
- Ensuring rain barrels and similar items do not hold standing water
By taking these precautions, the community can help mitigate the risk of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
