The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed another case of travel-related dengue on Oahu, bringing the total in the state to 13 so far this year.
The latest case comes about a month after the 12th reported case of dengue, which was also on Oahu. To date, the state has counted 12 cases on Oahu, and one case on Maui.
“The affected individual in this current case was exposed to the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common and is not connected to prior cases,” said DOH in a news release. “DOH teams have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected area.”
Dengue is a viral illness spread through mosquito bites. While Hawaii is home to Aedes mosquitoes, which can carry dengue, the disease is not endemic in the state.
Dengue outbreaks are reported frequently in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, transmission in these areas remains high this year.
Dengue outbreaks declared in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands last year continue into this year, and Puerto Rico has extended its outbreak declaration through December. Additionally, multiple islands in the Pacific, including Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa, and Tuvalu, have declared dengue outbreaks this year.
In the U.S., local transmission of dengue was reported in California, Texas and Florida last year. Florida reported local dengue transmission again this year.
DOH said anyone who has recently visited or plans to travel to an area with dengue risk is vulnerable to infection.
The public is encouraged to review country-specific guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures at least four to six weeks before traveling. Upon returning from dengue-endemic areas, residents should try to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks.
If dengue symptoms — such as fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches — develop within two weeks of return from dengue-affected areas, residents should seek medical evaluation.
Anyone who suspects a dengue infection should call the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.
Source: The Garden Island