The Hawai‘i Department of Health has confirmed the eighth case of travel-related dengue virus this year on Oʻahu. According to the DOH's announcement, the latest affected individual was infected while visiting a region where dengue is widespread, echoing the travel-connected nature of previous cases in Hawai‘i for 2025.
With the case count climbing to eight - one on Maui and the rest on Oʻahu - state health officials are reminding travelers about the risks associated with dengue, especially those returning from areas where the disease is more prevalent. Originating from places like Central and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and several Pacific Islands, dengue continues to threaten those unprepared or unaware of effective prevention measures.
Meanwhile, on the ground efforts to mitigate further transmission are ramping up. The DOH teams, flying into action, are inspecting various areas and implementing mosquito control measures with the hope of curbing any additional cases. Mosquito-borne viruses like dengue depend on local mosquito populations to spread, and while Hawai‘i's mosquitoes can carry the disease, officials are keen to keep it at bay and prevent it from becoming endemic.
Preventive advice from health authorities remains clear-cut: use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants while outdoors, and ensure sleeping areas are protected. Interestingly, while mosquitoes drawn to stagnant water are the breeding ground of this illness, simple actions like pouring out containers holding water can slash their numbers and the associated risk.
Travelers have been advised to embrace such protective strategies, and those coming home from at-risk regions are urged to continue mosquito bite prevention for three weeks after returning. In the unsavoury event that one develops symptoms characteristic of dengue, such as fever, nausea, or rash, within two weeks post-travel, seeking medical attention is critical. Healthcare practitioners and individuals suspecting a dengue case are prompted to reach out to the DOH's Disease Reporting Line.
For additional information on outbreak control and mosquito eradication, Hawai‘i's Disease Outbreak Control Division and Vector Control Branch offer resources and guidance on their respective websites to arm the public with knowledge and tools to combat the dengue threat.
