The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed that there are new travel-related dengue viruses on Oahu, increasing the total number of dengue cases to six in the state in 2025, one of which is from Maui and five on o’ahu. In the current case, affected people are exposed to the virus while traveling in areas where dengue is common. This case has nothing to do with the dengue fever case that was previously reported on April 10, 2025.
The DOH team has been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures in affected areas. As described below, the public is encouraged to follow best practices to help prevent local spread.
The dengue virus spreads from the infected person to the mosquitoes and then to another person. While Hawaii is home to mosquitoes that can carry dengue fever, the disease is not endemic (established) in the state and cases are currently limited to travelers. Several regions around the world are experiencing dengue activities that are more common.
The dengue outbreak occurs in many parts of the world, including Central America, Asia (including the Philippine Republic), the Middle East, Africa and several Pacific islands, such as the United States Samoa, the United States Samoa, the United States Federation of Macronia, the Marshal Islands and the Republic of Palau. Many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, have also been affected.
In 20
Anyone who plans to visit or recently visits dengue risk areas are vulnerable to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends travelers to take standard preventive measures when visiting such areas. This includes using insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wearing long-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved pants outdoors, as well as sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens or pesticide-treated bed nets. Some countries have reported an increase in dengue cases, so travelers should review the latest country-specific travel information to ensure dengue risks and preventive measures at least four to six weeks before travel.
Travelers returning from dengue areas should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers should seek medical assessment.
Symptoms of dengue range from mild to severe, including fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body pain. Symptoms usually last two to seven days, and although serious illness may occur, most people will recover within a week. Individuals who have recently traveled and experienced these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
In areas where suspected or confirmed dengue cases, DOH personnel from the Media Control Branch (VCB) are conducting inspections and reducing mosquito reduction activities. Reducing mosquito populations reduces the risk of spreading dengue to others. In areas where there are no reported cases of dengue, eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the house is a helpful preventive measure.
Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to reproduce. Common breeding sites include buckets, predator plants (such as brominated plants), small containers, growers, rain barrels, and even leftover cups. Pouring out the water-stabilizing container can significantly reduce the potential of mosquitoes to reproduce.
For more information, visit the Department of Disease Outbreak Control (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites.