Hawaii’s 11th case of travel-related dengue confirmed on Oahu

The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oahu.

The latest case comes just about two weeks after the 10th case, bringing the total to 11 in the state so far this year.

Health officials say the affected individual was exposed to the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common, with no connection found to previous cases in Hawaii. Of the 11 cases reported this year, 10 involved travel to Pacific island countries and territories, while the latest case involved travel outside of the Pacific.

Teams have been deployed to implement mosquito control measures in the affected area, which DOH did not disclose.

”Due to the circumstances of this case, the risk of transmission is expected to be low,” said DOH in a news release. “However, with rain over the past week, this case is a reminder for the public to eliminate standing water as much as possible. Reducing standing water helps prevent mosquito breeding and can reduce the risk of local transmission of vector-borne diseases.”

To date, there have been eight cases on Oahu, two on Maui and one on Kauai. For all of last year, DOH confirmed 15 dengue cases in Hawaii.

Dengue is a viral illness spread through mosquito bites.

It is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, including the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America; Asia; the Middle East; Africa; Puerto Rico; American Samoa; Micronesia; the Marshall Islands and Palau.

Some countries currently reporting higher-than-usual numbers of dengue cases among returning U.S. travelers include Cuba, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Hawaii is home to Aedes mosquitoes, which can carry dengue, but the disease is not endemic to or established in the state. Dengue cases in Hawaii are currently limited to travelers.

If symptoms of dengue — such as fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches — develop within two weeks of returning from dengue-affected areas, residents should seek medical evaluation.

Suspected dengue infections should be reported to the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.