The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) has reported another travel-related dengue fever case on the island of Maui. This most recent case contributes to a total of 14 dengue infections recorded across the state this year alone, with distribution across Kauaʻi, Maui, and O’ahu. According to the official press release , the individual contracted the virus while visiting a region where dengue is prevalent.
As part of response efforts, the DOH has set in motion teams for on-ground inspection and mosquito abatement initiatives to mitigate any potential escalation of the virus locally. Public cooperation is paramount in combating this issue; community members are urged to partake in proactive prevention strategies to curb the breeding of mosquitoes, which are the primary carriers of the virus. Although Hawai'i is a habitat for mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue, it should be noted that the disease is not endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
The threat of dengue extends beyond Hawai'i’s borders, with outbreaks occurring globally—including the Asia-Pacific region, parts of Central and South America, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued guidelines for travelers visiting these areas, recommending that people use EPA-registered insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and stay in accommodations with adequate protections against mosquitoes. As mentioned in the same press release , individuals are advise.