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Hawaii reports 13th travel-related dengue case this year | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 9th 2025 at 19:02 GMT by Honolulu Star-Advertiser
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Hawaii Adds 13th Travel‑Related Dengue Case to Year‑Long List – Experts Warn of Rising Risk for Visitors

September 9, 2025 – Honolulu, Hawaii – The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) announced today that it has identified a 13th travel‑related case of dengue fever in the United States this year, bringing the total to 13 confirmed cases in the state. All of the cases have been linked to travelers who returned from dengue‑endemic countries, and none have been documented as locally transmitted within Hawaii’s borders.

The newest case involves a 32‑year‑old woman who arrived in Honolulu from Manila, Philippines, on September 2. She began experiencing fever, headache, and severe muscle aches six days after returning. Local clinicians performed a rapid diagnostic test at the Oahu General Hospital, which confirmed dengue virus infection. The patient was hospitalized for observation and is now recovering under the care of infectious disease specialists.

“This case underscores the persistent threat that dengue poses to travelers and the importance of vigilant surveillance,” said Dr. Linda K. Hsu, director of the HDOH’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “While Hawaii is not a traditional dengue‑endemic region, the presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in some urban and rural areas means that any introduction of the virus can potentially spark local transmission.”

How the State Tracks Dengue

The HDOH’s dengue surveillance program has been active since 2016, following the first local outbreak of dengue fever that year. The program involves real‑time reporting from hospitals, laboratories, and clinics, and includes detailed case investigations to determine travel history, symptom onset, and potential exposure sites.

According to the HDOH’s latest quarterly report, the 13 confirmed travel‑related cases have originated from five countries: the Philippines (four cases), Thailand (three), Vietnam (two), Brazil (one), and Mexico (three). The cases were identified in all four main Hawaiian islands—Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island—though no single island has seen more than four cases.

The HDOH also released a concise fact sheet, sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outlining the symptoms of dengue fever, diagnostic methods, and treatment protocols. The CDC notes that dengue is transmitted primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which thrives in warm, humid environments and is often found in urban settings.

Why Travel‑Related Cases Matter

Dengue fever can range from a mild flu‑like illness to a severe, potentially life‑threatening condition known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Early recognition and supportive care are critical for preventing severe outcomes.

“Travelers returning from dengue‑endemic regions should seek medical attention promptly if they develop fever and joint or muscle pain,” advised Dr. Hsu. “Early testing allows us to confirm the diagnosis, provide appropriate care, and, importantly, prevent the virus from establishing itself locally.”

The HDOH’s public health messaging stresses that although no local transmission has been recorded in Hawaii yet, the risk remains present. The state’s mosquito control programs, including larviciding, adulticiding, and community outreach, aim to reduce the populations of Aedes mosquitoes that serve as dengue vectors.

Tips for Travelers

The HDOH and the CDC offer several prevention strategies for travelers:

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply EPA‑registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. Reapply every three to four hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long‑sleeved shirts and long pants can reduce skin exposure. Treat clothing with permethrin for added protection.
• Stay Informed: Check travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State and the CDC before departure. Monitor local news for mosquito activity reports.
• Use Mosquito‑Proof Housing: Ensure windows and doors have screens. Use bed nets where appropriate, particularly in areas with poor housing infrastructure.

Broader Context

Dengue has become a global public health concern, with the WHO estimating that 3.9 billion people live in dengue‑endemic regions and that 100 million infections occur each year. Climate change, urbanization, and increased global travel are contributing factors to the spread of dengue and other mosquito‑borne diseases.

The HDOH’s surveillance data aligns with national trends that show a steady rise in travel‑related dengue cases in the United States. In 2025, the CDC reported 55 travel‑related dengue cases nationwide, with the majority originating from Southeast Asia and Latin America.

“Dengue is a classic example of how interconnected our world has become,” said Dr. Hsu. “A virus that first emerges in a remote tropical region can quickly make its way to the United States via air travel, and then, if conditions permit, become a local threat.”

Looking Ahead

The HDOH plans to continue its collaborative approach, working closely with the CDC, local health departments, and mosquito control districts. The department has also announced a new public education campaign that will begin in October, aimed at increasing awareness among both residents and visitors about dengue prevention and early symptom recognition.

For travelers planning trips to dengue‑endemic areas or returning to Hawaii after such trips, the HDOH recommends staying vigilant for symptoms and seeking medical care promptly. The department’s website offers a comprehensive dengue FAQ section, along with downloadable resources for travel medicine clinics and tourist agencies.

In the meantime, the 13th travel‑related dengue case serves as a stark reminder that while Hawaii’s natural beauty remains a draw for millions, the state’s public health infrastructure must remain prepared to address the evolving threats posed by global infectious diseases.