State confirms another travel-related case of dengue fever

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Department of Health on Monday confirmed another travel-related case of dengue fever on Oahu.

DOH said the individual traveled to a region where dengue is known to be spread.

There have been six confirmed travel-related cases in the state this year — five on Oahu and one on Maui.

Several regions worldwide are experiencing higher-than-normal dengue activity, health officials said.

The public is therefore asked to exercise the best practices to reduce the risk of local transmission.

Avoiding mosquito bites is the most effective prevention method. The Centers for Disease Control advises travelers to wear mosquito repellent, sleep with mosquito netting and wear loose-fitted long sleeve shirts and pants.

The virus spreads from infected people to mosquitoes to people.

Areas of dengue outbreaks include Central and South America, Asia (including the the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa, and some Pacific Islands, including the U.S. territories of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau and in many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico).

Symptoms typically last two to seven days and range from mild to severe fevers, nausea, vomiting, body aches and rashes. Although the illness can be life-threatening to some, most recover after about a week.

Those who have traveled to dengue regions and are experiencing symptoms are asked to contact their nearest health provider.

The CDC is currently advising travelers to take usual precautions.

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