Hawaii reports 9th case of travel-related dengue this year: news
14-10-2026
Hawaii Reports 9th Travel-Related Dengue Case This Year: Health Officials Urge Caution
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the state’s ninth travel-related dengue fever case this year, following a recent diagnosis on Oahu. State health officials emphasize that dengue virus is not endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, and all cases confirmed to date have originated from travelers returning from regions where mosquito-borne viral outbreaks are currently active.
Key Details of the Recent Dengue Case
Origin of Exposure: The individual contracted the virus while visiting an international region with known dengue transmission before returning to Hawaii.
Local Transmission Status: No locally acquired dengue virus cases have been established in connection with this infection.
Vector Control Response: Hawaii Department of Health vector control teams are actively inspecting the area and conducting targeted mosquito-reduction measures to prevent local Aedes mosquitoes from spreading the virus.
Recognizing Dengue Symptoms
Dengue virus symptoms typically emerge within 4 to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito and generally persist for 2 to 7 days. Common signs include:
Sudden high fever
Severe headache and intense pain behind the eyes
Joint, muscle, and bone pain (“breakbone fever”)
Mild bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
Skin rash, nausea, and persistent fatigue
Travelers returning from tropical or subtropical destinations who develop these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately and avoid further mosquito exposure to prevent local transmission.
Prevention and Mosquito Control in Hawaii
To reduce the risk of secondary transmission and keep communities safe, health officials recommend:
Eliminating Standing Water: Drain flower pots, buckets, tarps, rain barrels, and gutters weekly, as mosquitoes lay eggs in very small amounts of stagnant water.
Using Insect Repellent: Apply EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus when outdoors.
Wearing Protective Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and long pants in heavily vegetated or mosquito-prone areas.
Securing Living Spaces: Keep window and door screens intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoor spaces.