The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, bringing the total number of cases reported in Hawaiʻi for 2025 to nine. Of these, eight cases have been identified on Oʻahu and one on Maui. The latest individual is believed to have contracted the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is prevalent.
DOH teams have already been deployed to the affected area to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures aimed at preventing local transmission. The public is strongly encouraged to follow best practices to help curb the spread of the virus.
Dengue virus is transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected person and subsequently bites another individual. While Hawaiʻi does have mosquito species capable of transmitting dengue, the disease is not currently endemic to the state. All confirmed cases in 2025 have been travel-related. Dengue is a year-round risk in tropical and subtropical regions across Central and South America, Asia (including the Republic of the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa, and several Pacific Islands, such as U.S. territories like American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. Many popular Caribbean tourist destinations, including Puerto Rico, are also affected.
Anyone planning travel to, or recently returned from, a dengue-risk area is susceptible to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to take standard precautions, including using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors, and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens, or under insecticide-treated bed nets.
Several countries are currently reporting increased dengue cases, notably Fiji, French Polynesia, Tonga, the Republic of the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Travelers should review up-to-date country-specific travel information for guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures at least four to six weeks before their trip.
Upon returning from dengue-endemic areas, travelers should continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If dengue symptoms—which can range from mild to severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches—develop within two weeks of return, individuals should seek medical evaluation immediately. Symptoms typically last two to seven days, and while severe illness can occur, most people recover within a week. Healthcare providers and individuals who suspect a dengue infection are advised to call the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.
In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue cases, DOH personnel from the Vector Control Branch (VCB) are actively conducting inspections and mosquito-reduction activities. Reducing mosquito populations significantly lowers the risk of dengue transmission. Even in areas without reported dengue cases, eliminating mosquito breeding sites around homes is a crucial preventive measure.
Mosquitoes require only small amounts of standing water to breed. Common breeding sites include buckets, water-catching plants like bromeliads, small containers, planters, rain barrels, and even cups left outside. Regularly pouring out standing water from such containers can greatly reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds.
For more information, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites.