HANA, Hawaii — The Department of Health is urging people in Hana on Maui to be cautious after discovering a resident was infected with dengue fever following an international trip. 

The DOH’s Vector Control Branch discovered a sizable population of mosquitoes, which transmit dengue fever, near the residence where the case was found. Also, the area is known to have a large number of visitors. 

Officials are asking residents and tourists in the area to take extra precautions to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes and to stop mosquitoes from breeding. 

To minimize the risk of dengue transmission, DOH suggests applying mosquito repellent when outdoors, wearing loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves and pants, keeping mosquitoes out of homes by closing doors or repairing screens, and eliminating breeding sites for mosquitoes by dumping out standing water

This is the 10th travel-related dengue case in Hawaii since Jan. 2024. Of these cases, five people traveled to Central or South American and five had traveled to Asia. 

To transmit dengue fever, a mosquito must first bite a person infected with dengue and then, after five to seven days, the virus develops in the mosquito and can be spread when the infected mosquito bites another person. 

Dengue symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. Severe symptoms are more likely in someone who has been previously infected with dengue.

According to Hawaii DOH, most people recover in about a week.

Hawaii DOH staff from the Vector Control Branch inspect areas with confirmed dengue cases and take mosquito-reducing action to lessen the chances of dengue being transmitted to others in the area.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.