HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hawaii has had eight cases of Dengue acquired overseas in areas that are known to be spots with the virus. Dr. Nathan Tan with the Hawaii Department of Health joined Take2 Friday morning with some tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones when traveling this summer.
Dr. Tan said that Dengue is a "viral Illness spread via mosquitos from an infected person to another person. No direct person-to-person transmission requires mosquitoes that can carry the virus.
"Symptoms are mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches, typically last two to seven days, and although severe and even life-threatening illness can occur most people recover after about a week."
Fortunately, we don't have locally acquired cases of the virus spreading in the islands.
"Currently the disease is not established, that is not circulating locally in Hawaii," Dr. Tan said. "Cases are currently only seen in travelers. Thus far in 2024 Eight travel-related dengue cases have been identified in the state one on Kauai, two on Maui, and five on Oahu. However Hawai'i is home to the type of mosquitos that can carry dengue, and thus, the potential for an outbreak where we see local transmission occurs exists. This is what we are working hard to prevent."
The virus does spread in some places that people like to travel to.
"Dengue is found in places where the mosquitos the transmit are found and where there are people sick with the virus infection. Typical warm locations have standing water that breed the mosquitos. This includes parts of Central and South America, Southeast Asia (including the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa, and some Pacific Islands and in many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico)." Dr. Tan said.
There are ways to protect yourself when traveling. According to the DOH, you can:
- Review country-specific travel information for the most up-to-date guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures for that country 4-6 weeks before you travel
- Currently, the CDC advises travelers to practice usual precautions when traveling to areas of dengue risk.
- Using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors; sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens, under an insecticide-treated bed net.
- When returning from an area with risk of dengue, take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks, if symptoms of dengue develop within 2 weeks upon return, should seek medical evaluation.
Back at home taking precautions to prevent mosquito breeding also helps to prevent the spread of the virus from coming to the islands.
"Eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your home is a good practice. Mosquitos only need small amounts of standing water to breed," Dr. Tan said.