Hawaii Department of Health: Travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu: Kauai Now

The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu. The individual traveled to a region where dengue fever is known to be widespread.

Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. Symptoms usually last two to seven days, and although serious and even fatal illness can occur, most people recover after about a week.

If you have recently traveled to any area where dengue fever is common and are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor.

There have been five confirmed travel-related dengue cases identified in the state (one on Maui, four on Oʻahu) so far in 2024. During these case investigations, travel exposure has come from multiple locations around the world where transmission is known to occur. of dengue. Several regions around the world are currently experiencing higher than normal dengue activity.

The dengue virus is transmitted from infected person to mosquito and to person. Although Hawaii is home to the type of mosquito that can transmit dengue fever, the disease is not endemic here and recent cases have only been found among travelers.

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

Anyone who plans to travel or has traveled to an area with dengue fever is at risk of infection. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control advises travelers to take the usual precautions when traveling to dengue risk areas. That includes:

Some countries are reporting an increasing number of cases, so it is important, four to six weeks before traveling, to review country-specific travel information for the most up-to-date guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures for that country. .

Travelers returning from an area at risk of dengue should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks, and if dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of returning, they should seek medical evaluation.

In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue fever, the Hawaii Department of Health’s Division of Vector Control conducts inspections and mosquito abatement activities. Reducing mosquito populations reduces the chances of dengue being transmitted to others.

In areas with no reported cases of dengue fever, eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your home is a good practice. Mosquitoes only need small amounts of standing water to breed. Common breeding sites in the home include:

• Buckets
• Plants that capture water (such as bromeliads)
• Small containers
• Planters
• rain barrels
• Glasses of water left outside

Simply emptying containers of standing water eliminates the potential for mosquito breeding.

Finally, no matter where you live, if the area is prone to mosquitoes, wear long sleeves and long pants and/or use EPA-approved and registered repellents, especially at dusk and dawn to reduce your chances of mosquito bites.

For more information, visit the Division of Disease Outbreak Control website and the Division of Vector Control website.