HONOLULU — The state Department of Health said it has received a report of a travel-related case of dengue on Oahu.

What You Need To Know

  • According to the state Department of Health, the infected person had recently traveled to countries where dengue is commonly found

  • Hawaii has not had a confirmed case of locally acquired dengue since 2016

  • While Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitos that can carry dengue, the disease is not established in the state, and cases are currently only seen in travelers, according to DOH

  • Anyone who travels to an area with dengue is at risk of infection

According to the department, the infected person had recently traveled to countries where dengue is commonly found.

Dengue virus, which is spread from person to person by mosquitos, has been the source of outbreaks in Central and South America; Asia, including the Republic of the Philippines; the Middle East; Africa; some Pacific Islands, including the U.S. territories of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau; and in many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico.

Hawaii has not had a confirmed case of locally acquired dengue since 2016.

When a case of dengue is suspected or confirmed, DOH personnel conduct inspections and mosquito-reducing activities as reducing mosquito populations reduces the chances of dengue being transmitted to other people. In areas without reported dengue cases, eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around the home is recommended.

As DLNR noted in a release on Friday, mosquitos only need small amounts of standing water to breed. Common breeding sites at home include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels, or even cups left outside. Simply pouring out containers of standing water eliminates the potential for mosquito breeding.

While Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitos that can carry dengue, the disease is not established in the state, and cases are currently only seen in travelers, according to DOH

Anyone who travels to an area with dengue is at risk of infection. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases, so it is advised that review country-specific travel information for the most up-to-date guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures for that country four to six weeks before they travel.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers to practice usual precautions when traveling to areas of dengue risk to reduce your chances of mosquito bites. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors (especially at dusk and dawn) and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens or under an insecticide-treated bed tent.

Travelers returning from an area at risk for dengue should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If symptoms of dengue develop within two weeks of return, medical evaluation should be sought promptly.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.