Is Traveling To Hawaii Safe From Dengue?

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a new travel-related dengue virus case on Oʻahu, bringing the total cases to 12. Dengue is not endemic in Hawaii, but its status as a travel destination places it under continual threat. The affected person had recently traveled to a region where the disease is prevalent. The Big Island and the rest of Hawaii remain safe destinations for visitors and residents, with nearly 100 cases since September.

The point estimate of dengue incidence was zero infections per 358 person-days of exposure with an upper 95 confidence limit of 3.0 cases per person-year. Therefore, the risk for dengue infection for visitors to Hawaii during the outbreak was low. The DOH reported two separate travel-related dengue virus cases, one on Kauaʻi and one on Maui. So far in 2024, there have been six confirmed travel-related dengue cases identified in the state (one on Maui, five on Oʻahu).

Mosquitoes in Hawaii can carry dengue, but the disease has not been established in the state. Recent cases have only been found among travelers. Although mosquitoes can be found year-round in Hawaiʻi’s warm climate, summer is peak season. Mosquitoes can act as carriers of diseases, such as zika and dengue. The virus is not established in Hawaii, and DOH recommends clearing water in areas with dengue. Anyone who plans to travel or has traveled to an area with dengue is at risk for infection.

What countries are at risk of dengue?

Dengue is a prevalent disease in various countries worldwide, including the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Approximately half of the world’s population, around 4 billion people, lives in areas with high dengue risk. Dengue outbreaks are common, particularly in popular tourist destinations, and the CDC’s travel health notices for dengue webpage provide additional information on these countries.

Can you get diseases from mosquitoes in Hawaii?

Arboviral diseases are not a immediate threat to Hawaii due to the lack of insects and arthropods that transmit these diseases. However, Hawaii has Aedes mosquitoes that can transmit diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are widely spread throughout the state. Hawaii’s tropical climate creates a year-round mosquito season, so infected individuals should protect themselves from further mosquito bites during the first two weeks of illness.

To prevent arboviral infections, individuals should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. To do this, apply EPA-approved repellents, wear long pants and shirts when outdoors, maintain screens on windows and doors, empty or drain water from containers, and remove or destroy discarded items that hold water.

Is dengue fever common in Hawaii?

Dengue is not endemic in Hawaii, but cases have been infected through exposures outside the state. Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headaches, eye pain, joint and muscle pain, and rash. The rash typically appears on the hands, arms, legs, and feet 3 to 4 days after the fever begins. Dengue hemorrhagic fever, a serious illness with abnormal bleeding and low blood pressure, can cause death if not corrected. Symptoms typically start 4 to 7 days after being bitten by infected mosquitoes, but can range from 3 to 14 days.

People generally recover within 1 to 2 weeks. Dengue is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito, which becomes infected when it bites a person already infected with the dengue virus. The virus takes a week or more to replicate in the mosquito, and it cannot be transmitted from person-to-person.

Is there a mosquito season in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s warm climate makes it a prime target for mosquitoes, with the peak season occurring from March to early November. The island has eight mosquito species, six of which bite humans, and two do not. Four of the six species are active during the day, while the other two are night-biters. To protect yourself from these mosquitoes, residents of Oahu or vacationers should be aware of their presence.

Do people get island fever in Hawaii?

Island Fever, also known as Rock Fever, is a psychological phenomenon causing restlessness, isolation, and boredom experienced by individuals living on the islands of Hawaii. It is not just about being tired of the beach or tropical weather; it’s a deep-seated unease, longing for diversity, expanses of land beyond the horizon, or the hustle and bustle of mainland life. Causes and symptoms vary from person to person, but common factors include:

1. Lack of exposure to nature and wildlife
2. Lack of exposure to fresh air and water
3. Lack of exercise or physical activity
4. Lack of social interaction
5. Lack of connection to others
6. Lack of social support
7. Lack of communication and support from family and friends
8. Lack of support from community resources
9. Lack of support from healthcare providers
10. Lack of understanding and support from others.

Do tourists get dengue fever?

Dengue is the second most common cause of fever in international travelers, with the dengue virus being the causative agent. The virus is transmitted via infected mosquitoes, predominantly Aedes aegypti, which typically bite during daylight hours. Dengue is a pervasive disease in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting over 120 countries. The disease is characterized by the presence of white stripes on the legs of affected individuals.

What are the odds of getting dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a common travel illness, with up to 70% of infected travelers returning from tropical areas. The risk increases with longer stays, early morning or evening bites, and seasonality. To prevent Dengue, three main actions should be taken: maintaining personal protection, getting vaccinated, and preventing mosquito bites. These include sleeping under mosquito bed nets, using insect repellents regularly, and wearing appropriate clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved tops.

What are the months of dengue season?

The spread of dengue in Kashmir and Jammu is influenced by rising temperatures and humidity levels, with cases typically emerging post-monsoon in July-August and lasting until November-end. The duration of the outbreak depends on rain and temperature, with 30-32 degrees being favourable. Cases peaked in October and are now declining. Bihar experienced a tryst with dengue in 2010, with 510 cases reported in 2010 and 1, 246 in 2013, indicating a deteriorating situation.

What is the most common disease in Hawaii?

Leptospirosis, a reemerging infectious disease in developing countries, was removed from the US list of nationally reportable infectious diseases in 1995. Hawaii consistently led the nation in reported annual incidence rates before the disease’s removal from national surveillance. To determine the status of leptospirosis in Hawaii since 2002, a review of 1999-2008 data from case investigation reports by the Hawaii State Department of Health revealed a change in seasonal disease occurrence from summer to winter and infective serogroup from Icterohemorrhagiae to Australis.

Over the past 20 years, recreational exposures have plateaued, while occupational exposures have increased. Ongoing surveillance is needed to clarify and track the dynamic epidemiology of this widespread zoonosis. Research is needed to understand the dynamics of leptospirosis and its impact on the health of the population.

Is malaria a risk in Hawaii?

Malaria is a severe mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium genus parasites, transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium falciparum can cause severe and fatal disease, while other members like P. vivax, malariae, ovale, and knowlesi cause milder, non-life-threatening diseases. Malaria is a major issue in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and can be contracted by anyone living or traveling to endemic countries. Hawaii, where the Anopheles mosquito is not present, does not have malaria, but individuals infected in malaria-endemic regions may be diagnosed after arrival.