DOH reports another travel-related case of dengue on Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Department of Health confirmed Monday that one travel-related case of the dengue virus has been reported on Oahu.

Officials said the individual traveled to a region where dengue is known to be spread. The virus is spread by mosquitos.

Symptoms of dengue can range from mild to severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Health experts said that symptoms typically last two to seven days and although severe and even life-threatening illness can occur, most people recover after about a week.

If you have traveled recently to any area where dengue is common and are experiencing these symptoms, officials urge you to contact your health care provider.

So far this year, DOH said there have been five confirmed travel-related dengue cases identified in the state, one on Maui and four on Oahu.

Officials said multiple regions around the world are currently experiencing higher- than-normal dengue activity. While Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitoes that can carry dengue, the disease is not established here, and recent cases have only been found among travelers.

Dengue outbreaks can occur in many parts of the world including Central and South America, Asia (including 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, the Republic of Palau and in many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico.

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