The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Maui.
The latest case comes just about a week after the ninth case, bringing the total to 10 in the state so far this year.
Health officials say the affected individual was exposed to the virus while traveling in a Pacific Island region where dengue is common. All 10 dengue cases reported in Hawaii so far this year involved travel to Pacific Island countries and territories.
DOH, however, has found no connection between this case and previous cases in Hawaii.
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, 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.”
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To date, there have been seven cases on Oahu, two on Maui and one on Kauai. Last year, DOH confirmed a total of 15 dengue cases in Hawaii.
Dengue is a viral illness spread through a mosquito bite. 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 Costa Rica, Cuba, Malaysia, the Marshall islands, Panama, Vanuatu and Vietnam.
Hawaii is home to Aedes mosquitoes, which can carry dengue, but the disease is not endemic 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 return from dengue-affected areas, residents should seek medical evaluation.
Anyone who suspects a dengue infection should call the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.