HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new travel-related dengue virus case was identified on Oʻahu — increasing the number of reported dengue cases in 2026 to seven
DOH said the individual was exposed to the virus while traveling internationally in an area where dengue is common and confirmed there was no connection to any prior cases in Hawaiʻi
6 ways to stay healthy following Tropical Storm Lala: DOH
Officials added that since the case was travel-related, the expected risk of transmission is low, but in the wake of Tropical Storm Lala, the public should avoid standing water as much as possible
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“Reducing standing water helps prevent mosquito breeding and can reduce the risk of local transmission of vector-borne diseases,” the department said
This is because dengue can be transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito and then to another person
Healthcare providers and individuals who suspect dengue infection are advised to call the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586
For this dengue case, teams have been deployed to conduct inspections and implement mosquito-control measures in the affected area
Information on mosquito control in Hawaiʻi is available on the Vector Control website
Dengue cases in Hawaiʻi
So far, dengue virus cases have been limited to travelers. While Hawaiʻi has mosquitoes that can carry dengue, DOH said the disease is not established in the state
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All seven of the reported dengue cases involved travel to Pacific island countries and territories, the department said
Travelers are advised to review country-specific information on dengue risk and prevention measures. For more travel health information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel website
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