The Hawaii Department of Health reported a travel-related dengue virus case in Hawai‘i. The last confirmed case of locally acquired dengue in the state of Hawaii was in 2016.
Dengue virus is spread from person to person by mosquitos. In areas of suspected or confirmed dengue, Hawai‘i 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 your home is a good practice. Mosquitos 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. Simply pouring out containers of standing water eliminates the potential for mosquito breeding.
While Hawai‘i is home to the type of mosquitos that can carry dengue, the disease is not established (endemic) here in the state, and cases are currently only seen in travelers. Dengue outbreaks do occur in many parts of the world, such as:
Central and South America; Asia, including the Republic of the Philippines; the Middle East; Africa; some Pacific Islands, including the U.S. territories of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau; and in many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico.
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Symptoms: Dengue fever symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. In severe cases, it can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
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Transmission: Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vectors for the dengue virus. These mosquitoes are most active during early morning and late afternoon.
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Prevention: Prevention involves controlling mosquito populations and avoiding mosquito bites. This can be achieved through measures such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, using bed nets, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
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No specific treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Supportive care, such as maintaining hydration and managing symptoms, is the mainstay of treatment.
A vaccine called Dengvaxia was developed for dengue fever. However, its use was restricted to individuals who had a previous dengue infection due to concerns about the vaccine’s safety in individuals who had not been previously exposed to the virus. It’s important to check for updates on dengue vaccines and guidelines. Global Impact: Dengue fever is a major public health concern globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around half of the world’s population is at risk of dengue infection .
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, 4-6 weeks before you travel, to review country-specific travel information for the most up-to-date guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures for that country. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to practice usual precautions when traveling to areas of dengue risk to reduce the chances of mosquito bites.
This includes 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 room with window screens or under an insecticide-treated bed net. Travelers returning from an area with a risk of dengue should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks.
If symptoms of dengue develop within two weeks of return, medical evaluation should be sought promptly.
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.
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