Two dengue cases reported in Hawaii | News, Sports, Jobs

Two travel-related dengue cases have been reported in the state, one on Kauai and the other on Hawaii island, the state Department of Health said on Friday.

Both cases were in individuals who had recent travel to countries where dengue is commonly found.  The last confirmed case of locally acquired dengue in the state was in 2016.

Dengue virus is spread from person to person by mosquitoes.

In areas of suspected or confirmed dengue, Hawaii DOH personnel are conducting inspections and mosquito-reducing activities. 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 homes is a good practice. Mosquitoes 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. Pouring out containers of standing water eliminates the potential for mosquito breeding.

While Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitoes that can carry dengue, the disease is not established (endemic) here in the state, and cases are currently only seen in travelers, the DOH said.

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

Symptoms of dengue may be mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Symptoms typically last two to seven days and although severe and even life-threatening illness can occur, most people recover after about a week.

For more information, please visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) website at health.hawaii.gov/docd/ and the Vector Control Branch (VCB) website at health.hawaii.gov/vcb/.

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