The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue fever on Oahu, bringing the total number of cases in the state so far this year to 13.
The latest cases come two months after the last travel-related case was reported on Aug. 23, also on Oahu. In August, two travel-related cases were reported on Oahu and one in Hana, Maui.
Ministry officials said in a news release today that teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to carry out inspections and mosquito control, but did not elaborate. Meanwhile, the public is being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and take additional precautions to prevent mosquito breeding.
Of the 13 travel-related dengue cases reported this year, nine occurred on Oahu, three on Maui and one on Kauai.
According to the DOH, the dengue virus is transmitted from infected persons to humans by mosquitoes. Hawaii is home to a type of mosquito that transmits dengue fever, but the disease is not established here.
Symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches that usually last between 2 and 7 days. Life-threatening illness may occur, but most people recover within a week or so.
Don’t miss what’s happening!
Stay up-to-date with the latest top news stories right in your email inbox. It’s free!
According to the DOH, dengue fever activity is higher than normal in several regions around the world. Of the dengue cases reported in Hawaii this year, many had a history of travel to Central and South America or Asia.
In June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health alert warning that the risk of dengue fever in the United States will increase this year due to a global surge in dengue cases.
More than 11 million cases have been reported in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean so far this year, according to the CDC. This year, locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have also been reported in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and California.
Residents returning from areas where there is a risk of dengue fever should take measures to avoid mosquito bites for three weeks. If symptoms appear within two weeks of returning home, you should seek medical attention.
Residents are also encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by emptying all standing water in and around their homes.
