The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed another case of travel-related dengue on Oahu, bringing the total reported in the state to 10 so far this year.
The latest case comes about a month after the ninth case of dengue, which was also on Oahu. To date, there have been nine travel-related cases confirmed on Oahu, and one on Maui.
“The affected individual in this current case was exposed to the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common,” said DOH in a news release, without specifying where. “DOH teams have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected area.”
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted from person to mosquito to person via a bite. While Hawaii is home to Aedes mosquitoes, which can carry dengue, the disease is not endemic in the state.
The public is encouraged to follow best practices to help prevent local transmission.
This includes reviewing 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.
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Some countries reporting increased dengue cases include Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa, Tonga, the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.
Residents can also eliminate potential, mosquito breeding sites around the home by emptying out standing water in buckets, water-catching plants, and small containers.
Symptoms of dengue include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches that typically last two to seven days. While severe illness can occur, most people recover within a week.
If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return from dengue-affected areas, residents should see their health care provider.
Due to the sharp rise in cases, DOH in April issued a medical advisory recommending that health providers test all persons with compatible symptoms — such as fever and rash — for dengue, regardless of recent travel history.
Suspected dengue cases should be reported to the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.