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Hawaii Confirms Single Case of Dengue Fever

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. hawaii-confirms-single-case-of-dengue-fever.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 17:46 GMT by KITV
      Locales: Hawaii, UNITED STATES

HONOLULU, February 23, 2026 - The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed a single, travel-linked case of dengue fever on Oahu, prompting a renewed call for vigilance against mosquito bites for both residents and the millions of annual visitors to the islands. While not considered endemic, imported cases of dengue are a recurring concern for Hawaii, given the state's popular tourism industry and the global spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, and Africa. The individual confirmed with the virus contracted it while traveling abroad and exhibited symptoms after returning to Oahu. The DOH stresses that there is currently no evidence of local transmission, meaning the virus wasn't spread by mosquitoes within Hawaii.

Understanding Dengue Fever: Symptoms and Severity

Dengue fever manifests with flu-like symptoms, often making initial diagnosis challenging. These commonly include a high fever, severe headache (often behind the eyes), joint and muscle pain (giving it the nickname "breakbone fever"), a characteristic skin rash, and sometimes mild bleeding from the nose or gums. The severity of the illness varies significantly. Most individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover within a week or two. However, a small percentage of cases can develop into severe dengue, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. These severe forms can be life-threatening, requiring immediate hospitalization and intensive care.

Symptoms of severe dengue include persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, bleeding from the gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, and blood in vomit or stool. Anyone experiencing these severe symptoms should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Hawaii's Vulnerability and DOH Response

Hawaii's warm, humid climate provides a suitable environment for Aedes mosquitoes to thrive, making the state inherently vulnerable to imported mosquito-borne illnesses. The DOH maintains ongoing surveillance programs to monitor mosquito populations, test for the presence of viruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, and implement control measures when necessary.

The confirmation of this imported case has triggered an increase in these surveillance efforts, specifically targeting areas where the infected individual spent time on Oahu. Public health officials are focusing on mosquito control activities such as larviciding (treating water sources to kill mosquito larvae) and adulticiding (spraying to kill adult mosquitoes) in potentially affected areas. However, the DOH emphasizes that individual prevention remains the most effective strategy.

Protecting Yourself: A Multi-Layered Approach

The DOH strongly urges residents and visitors to adopt a comprehensive approach to mosquito bite prevention. This includes:

• Insect Repellent: Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol to exposed skin and clothing. Follow the product instructions carefully.
• Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Window and Door Screens: Ensure that all windows and doors have intact screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings.
• Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly empty and scrub flower pots, buckets, tires, and other containers that can collect water. Ensure proper drainage in yards.
• Travel Awareness: If you are traveling to areas where dengue fever is common, take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Upon returning to Hawaii, be vigilant for symptoms and inform your doctor about your travel history.

The Growing Threat of Vector-Borne Diseases

The increase in global travel and climate change are contributing to the spread of vector-borne diseases - illnesses transmitted by insects like mosquitoes and ticks - worldwide. Experts predict that the range of these diseases will continue to expand, posing an increasing threat to public health. Hawaii, as a major travel destination and a state susceptible to climate change impacts, is particularly vulnerable. This single case of dengue serves as a critical reminder that public awareness and proactive prevention measures are vital to protecting the health of the community and preserving the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.