HONOLULU — The Hawaii Department of Health alerted the public to a report of a travel-related dengue case in Hawaii on Wednesday. The individual who contracted the virus had recently traveled to countries where dengue is commonly found, according to a DOH news release.
The last confirmed case of locally acquired dengue in Hawaii was in 2016.
Mosquitos spread the dengue virus from person to person.
Reducing mosquito populations reduces the chances of dengue being transmitted to other people. In areas without reported dengue cases, eliminate mosquito breeding sites such as buckets of water, water-catching plants (i.e. bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels, even cups left outside. Mosquitos only need small amounts of standing water to breed so simply pour water from standing containers to eliminate the potential for breeding.
Hawaii DOH says although Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitos that carry dengue, the virus is not established in the state and cases are only currently seen in travelers.
Those traveling to areas with dengue are at risk for infection. According to DOH, because some countries are reporting increased dengue cases, they advise travelers to review country-specific travel information for up-to-date guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures four to six weeks prior to travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises regular precautions when traveling to areas with dengue such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors especially at dusk and dawn, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or a room with window screens or a bed net.
Travelers who have been in an area with dengue are advised to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks after returning, seek medical evaluation.
Dengue symptoms can be mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. Symptoms usually last about two to seven days and though they may be severe, even life-threatening, the DOH said most people recover after about a week.
More information is available on the Disease Outbreak Control Division website and Vector Control Branch website.