News Release – DOH Reports First Confirmed Travel-Related Dengue Virus Case of 2026

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

KENNETH S. FINK, M.D., MGA, MPH

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DOH REPORTS FIRST CONFIRMED TRAVEL-RELATED DENGUE VIRUS CASE OF 2026

26-015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 13, 2026

HONOLULU —The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has identified the first travel-related dengue virus case in the state this year, occurring on Maui. The affected individual was 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 transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito; then to another person. While Hawai‘i is home to the mosquitoes that can carry dengue, the disease is not endemic (established) in the state and cases are currently limited to travelers.

Dengue is a year-round risk in the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America (including Brazil and Mexico), Asia (including the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa and several Pacific Islands 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.

Some countries are reporting higher-than-usual numbers of dengue cases, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cook Islands, Samoa, Vietnam, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Mali, Mauritania and Sudan. Travelers should review up-to-date, country-specific travel information for guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures at least four to six weeks before traveling.

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, as well as sleeping in air-conditioned rooms, rooms with window screens or under insecticide-treated bed nets.

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 possible dengue infection are advised to call the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

Avoiding mosquito bites is the best practice to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses. Mosquito bite preventionincludes wearing light-colored, long-sleeved tops and long pants, using insect repellent, keeping windows or doors closed or covered with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your living quarters. 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. Prevent standing water from collecting around the home and workplace by pouring out containers, to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

In areas with suspected or confirmed dengue cases, DOH personnel from the Vector Control Branch (VCB) conduct 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.

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