Fifth Travel-Related Dengue Case Hits Kaua‘i in 2026

HONOLULU (Day.News) — The Hawai‘i Department of Health reported a fifth travel-related dengue virus case on Kaua‘i this year, involving an individual who recently returned from an international dengue-hotspot. DOH teams swiftly deployed to the affected area for inspections, mosquito control and community outreach, emphasizing the low risk of local spread since no links to prior cases exist. Dengue is not endemic in Hawai‘i, but Aedes mosquitoes capable of transmission thrive statewide, especially in standing water from recent rains.

Health officials recommend EPA-registered insect repellents, long sleeves and pants for outdoor activities, and air-conditioned sleeping quarters or screened rooms. Travelers from endemic areas in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean or Pacific islands should avoid bites for three weeks post-return and seek care if fever, rash, nausea or body aches appear within two weeks. Suspected cases must call DOH's Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

Kaua‘i residents can prevent breeding by emptying buckets, bromeliads, planters and rain barrels weekly—mosquitoes need mere cups of water to multiply. This echoes prevention drives during past outbreaks: 2001-02 on Maui, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i; 2011 on O‘ahu; and the largest, 2015-16 on Hawai‘i Island with 264 cases, mostly in South Kona. No University of Hawai‘i experts issued specific warnings on a 'surge,' but DOH stresses vigilance as cases accumulate.