A travel-related dengue fever case has been reported in Hāna, Maui, confirmed by the Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH). Upon investigation, conditions promoting the disease's transmission were discovered, requiring the response of vector control teams to undertake measures to mitigate the spread. As reported by Hawaii News Now, spraying actions and larvicide applications are currently ongoing to address the issue.
Of the 10 cases of dengue fever reported in Hawaiʻi this year, half of them had traveled to either Central or South America, with the remaining five visiting Asia. To actively reduce the spread of the virus, the public has been advised by health officials to consistently apply mosquito repellent and to wear protective clothing. The DOH encourages open communication with the tourism industry to ensure that guests are informed of preventative actions they can take to safeguard against infection. The area witnesses considerable tourist activity, which raises concerns about potential infections amongst visitors. According to a statement obtained by Maui Now, the tourism industry, including hotels, car rental agencies, and activity companies, are being updated with critical information regarding the dengue prevention.
Since the virus can be transmitted from person to person via a mosquito bite, the DOH has closely monitored mosquito populations in the area and is ready to take additional required steps. Residents and visitors to Hāna are strongly urged to take preventive measures such as using repellent containing 20-30% DEET and wearing long sleeves and pants. Eliminating potential breeding grounds by removing standing water around homes and businesses is also integral to the effort. Symptoms of dengue include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches and can last from two to seven days. Authorities advise anyone experiencing symptoms after visiting areas with reported cases to seek medical help immediately.
According to Dr. Sarah Kemble, the state epidemiologist, the climate in Hāna poses a problem due to its moisture, creating conducive environments for mosquitoes to populate and breed. Lisa Paulson, representing the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, has conveyed plans to reach out to the state for guidance on how best to advise tourists on the matter. She told Hawaii News Now, “We want to make sure we are getting the latest and the greatest information so we can pass it on to all of our partners in the industry, not just the hotels but also the car rental agencies and the activity companies that will be able to communicate with our guests.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest travelers to take standard precautions when visiting regions with known dengue risks. These include using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, staying in places with effective screening, and using insecticide-treated bed nets. For more comprehensive guidelines on dengue prevention, tourism industry representatives and concerned individuals are advised to visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division website and Vector Control Branch website for region-specific recommendations.
