The Hawai’i Department of Health (DOH) has reported another travel-related dengue fever case on the island of Maui. This most recent case contributes to a total of 14 dengue infections recorded across the state this year alone, with distribution across Kauaʻi, Maui, and O’ahu. According to the
official press release
, the individual contracted the virus while visiting a region where dengue is prevalent.
As part of response efforts, the DOH has set in motion teams for on-ground inspection and mosquito abatement initiatives to mitigate any potential escalation of the virus locally. Public cooperation is paramount in combating this issue; community members are urged to partake in proactive prevention strategies to curb the breeding of mosquitoes, which are the primary carriers of the virus. Although Hawai’i is a habitat for mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue, it should be noted that the disease is not endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
The threat of dengue extends beyond Hawai’i’s borders, with outbreaks occurring globally—including the Asia-Pacific region, parts of Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued guidelines for travelers visiting these areas, recommending that people use EPA-registered insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and stay in accommodations with adequate protections against mosquitoes. As mentioned in the
same press release
, individuals are advised to review country-specific precautions against dengue well in advance of travel and continue to safeguard against mosquito bites for three weeks post-visit.
Dengue virus symptoms can range from mild to acute, including fever, rash, nausea, and body aches, typically abating in a week despite the potential for serious complications. Health officials emphasize the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms surface following travel to a dengue-prone region. Prevention at home is equally crucial; residents are encouraged to routinely eliminate standing water—the breeding ground for mosquitoes—from containers and other items around their property.
For more details on the dengue virus and measures for prevention, the public can visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites. Active involvement from community members in tandem with state intervention is hoped to staunch the transmission of this mosquitoborne virus, encapsulating the joint responsibility of state officials and individual citizens in protecting public health.
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