Dengue Cases Rise In Hawaii

The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed there are currently 8 active cases of dengue in the state, with seven on Oahu and one on Maui.

The individuals affected were exposed to the dengue virus while traveling in a region where the virus is common.

Dengue virus is transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito, and then to another person. Hawaii is home to the mosquitoes that can carry dengue but the disease is not endemic in the state, and cases are currently limited to travelers.

Mosquitoes only need a small amount of standing water to breed. Common breeding sites include buckets, water-catching plants, small containers, planters, rain barrels, and even cups left outside.

Pouring out containers of standing water can significantly reduce mosquito population by eliminating potential breeding grounds.

For tropical and subtropical areas of Central America, South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and several Pacific Islands, the risk of dengue is all ye round.

When visiting areas prone to the dengue virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises travelers to take standard precautions such as using Environmental Protection Agency-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.

Moreover, travelers returning from dengue-endemic areas should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks.

Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Symptoms typically last two to seven days. Even with severe illness, most people can recover within a week from dengue virus.

Individuals experiencing symptoms should immediately contact their healthcare provider. Those who suspect a dengue infection are advised to call the Disease Reporting Line at (808) 586-4586.