News Release – DOH Confirms Ninth Travel-Related Dengue Virus Case of 2025

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

1. KENNETH FINK

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DOH REPORTS NINTH TRAVEL-RELATED DENGUE VIRUS CASE OF 2025

25-073

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 27, 2025

HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related case of dengue virus on Oʻahu, bringing the total number of cases reported in Hawai‘i in 2025 to nine (eight on Oʻahu, one on Maui). The individual was likely exposed to the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common.

DOH teams have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected area. The public is encouraged to follow best practices to help prevent local transmission, as outlined below.

Dengue virus is spread when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites another individual. Although Hawai‘i has mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue, the disease is not currently endemic in the state. All confirmed cases in 2025 have been travel-related. Dengue is a year-round risk in the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America, Asia (including the Republic of the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa and several Pacific Islands, such as U.S. territories like American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. Many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, are also affected.

Anyone who plans to travel to or has recently visited an area with dengue risk is vulnerable to infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to take standard precautions when visiting such areas. This includes using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants outdoors, and sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens or under insecticide-treated bed nets.

Some countries are reporting increased dengue cases, including Fiji, French Polynesia, Tonga, the Republic of the Philippines, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Travelers should review up-to-date country-specific travel information for guidance on dengue riskand prevention measures at least four to six weeks before traveling.

Travelers returning from dengue-endemic areas should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If dengue symptoms develop within two weeks of return, travelers should seek medical evaluation.

Symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. Symptoms typically last two to seven days, and while severe illness can occur, most people recover within a week. Individuals who have recently traveled and are experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers and individuals who suspect a dengue infection are advised to call the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue cases, DOH personnel from the Vector Control Branch (VCB) are conducting inspections and mosquito-reduction activities. Reducing mosquito populations lowers the risk of dengue transmission to others. In areas without reported dengue cases, eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home is a helpful preventive measure.

Mosquitoes need only small amounts of standing water to breed. Common breeding sites include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outside. Pouring out containers of standing water can significantly reduce the potential for mosquito breeding.

For more information, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites.

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Media contact:

Adam LeFebvre

Information Specialist

Hawaiʻi State Department of Health

Mobile: 808-436-6195

Email: [email protected]