The Department of Health, CDC recommend traveling precautions as dengue becomes more prevalent

The Hawai‘i Department of Health confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, bringing the total number of dengue cases to 7 on Oʻahu and one on Maui.

The affected individual in this current case was exposed to the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common.

Dengue virus is transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito, and then to another person, so the Department of Health Vector Control Branch is conducting inspections and implementing mosquito control measures in the affected area.

In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue cases, reducing mosquito populations lowers the risk of transmission to others and eliminating mosquito breeding sites (standing water) around the home is a helpful preventive measure. Pouring out containers of water significantly reduce the potential for breeding.

While Hawai‘i is home to the mosquitoes that can carry dengue, the disease is not endemic in the state, and cases are currently limited to travelers. It is a year-round risk in the tropical and subtropical areas around the world, however, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has identified countries reporting higher than usual numbers of cases, including:

• Brazil
• Burkina Faso
• Colombia
• Comoros
• Cuba
• Ecuador
• Fiji
• French Polynesia
• Guadeloupe
• Guatemala
• Iran
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Panama
• Philippines
• Saint Lucia
• Sudan
• Tonga

U.S. travelers returning from these countries have also had a higher-than-expected number of dengue cases, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers to take precautions when visiting, such as:

• using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent;
• wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors;
• sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, in rooms with window screens, or under insecticide-treated bed nets.

Travelers should review up-to-date country-specific travel information for guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures at least four to six weeks before traveling. When returning, travelers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks.

If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers should seek medical evaluation. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. They typically last two to seven days and can range from mild to severe and most people recover in a week.

Individuals who have recently traveled and are experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers and individuals who suspect a dengue infection are advised to call the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

For more information, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division  and Vector Control Branch websites.