DOH: Dengue cases on Oahu linked to travel

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Hawai‘i Department of Health has reported one dengue case on Oʻahu. The individual was confirmed to have contacted dengue while visiting a region where the disease is known to be transmitted.

This year, there is a total of five travel-related dengue cases identified in the state. There is one confirmed case on Maui and four on Oʻahu.

According to DOH, dengue virus is spread from infected person to mosquito to person.

Dengue symptoms:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Severe body aches

Although dengue can be severe and life-threatening, most people recover within two to seven days.

Regions/countries experiencing a dengue outbreak:

• Central and South America
• Asia (including the Philippines)
• Middle East Africa
• the U.S. territories of American Samoa
• the Federated States of Micronesia
• Marshall Islands
• Palau
• Many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico)

If you have travelled recently to any area where dengue is known to be spread and are experiencing symptoms or if symptoms develop within two weeks upon return, please contact your health care provider.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises travelers to take the usual precautions when traveling to areas of dengue risk: