MAUI, Hawaii – The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a recent case of dengue fever, marking the second travel-related instance reported in the state within a week, with the previous case occurring on Oahu. Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, had previously affected the state in December. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources reminded residents to be vigilant, as standing water in small containers, plants, and other items can serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The recent cases in Hawaii are travel-related, involving individuals who had recently visited areas outside the U.S. where dengue fever is prevalent. Symptoms of dengue fever include sudden fever, severe headache, joint and eye pain, and rashes, with the potential to develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever in rare cases. The disease typically resolves within one to two weeks, but can be fatal in severe instances.
Although dengue fever is not endemic to Hawaii, the state does harbor mosquitoes capable of transmitting the disease, with recent cases limited to travelers returning from affected regions. The last locally acquired case of dengue fever in Hawaii occurred in 2016, leading to a state of emergency declaration due to a significant outbreak.
Hawaii’s geographic location, limited presence of dengue mosquitoes, and climate serve as natural barriers against the establishment of dengue fever. The state also exercises stringent controls, including mosquito surveillance and public health interventions, to minimize the risk of transmission and prevent outbreaks.
However, there remains a potential risk for dengue to become endemic to Hawaii, especially with the possibility of increased mosquito populations through inadvertent means or changes in climate due to climate change. Furthermore, world travelers from dengue-prone regions could reintroduce the virus to Hawaii, as seen in the 2016 outbreak.
The only generally available remedy for dengue fever is prevention, with strategies focusing on avoiding mosquito bites. While a vaccine for dengue fever has been in development for a century, progress has been impeded due to the challenges associated with creating immunity against the four serotypes of the dengue virus. Currently, two vaccines – Dengvaxia and Qdenga – are commercially available, targeting different demographics based on prior exposure to the virus.
In conclusion, while dengue fever is not endemic to Hawaii, it is essential for residents and travelers to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, particularly during peak mosquito activity times. And while outbreaks continue to occur in various parts of the world, continued efforts and vigilance are necessary to prevent the establishment of dengue fever in Hawaii.