Hawaii DOH Reports 4th Travel Dengue Case on Oahu

HONOLULU (Day.News) — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced Friday a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, elevating the state's total to four for 2026. The patient contracted the virus during recent travel to a dengue-endemic region, where the illness is common in tropical areas of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Americas and Pacific islands. DOH assesses the local transmission risk as low due to case specifics, as dengue is not endemic in Hawaiʻi.

All reported cases this year — including prior ones on Oʻahu and Maui as early as February — stem from out-of-state exposures, with no evidence of island-wide spread. Symptoms, appearing 3-14 days post-bite, include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea and rash. Most recover in 1-2 weeks with rest, fluids and acetaminophen; aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen are discouraged due to bleeding risks.

Hawaiʻi's Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, widespread statewide, and Aedes aegypti on Hawaiʻi Island can transmit dengue if bitten by an infected traveler during the illness's first two weeks. DOH urges precautions: EPA-registered repellents, long sleeves and pants, air-conditioned rooms or screened windows, and insecticide-treated nets. Returning travelers from endemic areas should avoid bites for three weeks and seek care if symptoms arise within two weeks.

Residents are called to combat breeding sites like buckets, bromeliads, planters and rain barrels by dumping standing water weekly. Report suspected cases 24/7 to Oʻahu's Disease Reporting Line at (808) 586-4586, Maui at (808) 984-8213, Kauaʻi at (808) 241-3563, or Big Island offices in Hilo (808) 933-0912 or Kona (808) 322-4877. DOH's Disease Outbreak Control Division enhances surveillance and mosquito control amid ongoing threats from tourism.