Hawaii Confirms Second Travel-Related Case of Dengue Fever on Maui
Hawaii, known for its stunning beaches and tropical climate, has recently confirmed a second travel-related case of dengue fever. This comes just days after the first case was reported on Oahu. The last incident of dengue fever in Hawaii occurred back in December, and it serves as a reminder that mosquitoes can breed in even the smallest amounts of standing water, such as buckets, plants, and containers.
According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the recent cases, along with several others throughout 2023, involve individuals who had recently traveled to countries where dengue fever is prevalent. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is common in tropical and subtropical areas. Its symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, joint and eye pain, and rashes. While most cases resolve within one to two weeks, there is a risk of it progressing to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
It is important to note that while Hawaii does have the species of mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue fever, the disease is not established or endemic within the state. Recent cases have been limited to travelers returning from affected regions outside of Hawaii.
The largest outbreak of dengue fever in Hawaii occurred in 2016 on the Big Island, where a state of emergency was declared. Within four months, there were 250 confirmed cases, with 25 being visitors and 227 being residents. This outbreak was likely the result of infected travelers introducing the virus, which then spread locally.
So why isn’t dengue fever endemic to Hawaii? One reason is the absence of high numbers of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known to carry the disease. Additionally, the geographic and environmental factors of the Hawaiian Islands act as natural barriers against the establishment of dengue fever. The limited presence of dengue mosquitoes, coupled with Hawaii’s climate, which experiences seasonal variations in rainfall and temperature fluctuations, further reduces the likelihood of widespread mosquito breeding and virus transmission.
To minimize the risk of transmission and prevent outbreaks, Hawaii exercises stringent controls, including mosquito surveillance and control efforts, as well as public health interventions. However, there is still a possibility that dengue fever could become endemic to Hawaii. Factors such as an increase in Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes inadvertently introduced through cargo or human travel, changes in temperatures and rainfall due to climate change, and infected world travelers reintroducing the virus could all contribute to the disease becoming established within the state.
Currently, prevention is the best defense against dengue fever. Avoiding mosquito bites is crucial, especially in areas where the disease is prevalent. While there is no specific treatment for dengue fever, two vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga, are commercially available. Dengvaxia is primarily for those who have previously had dengue fever or reside in areas where most people have been exposed to the virus. Qdenga, on the other hand, is designed for those who have not been previously infected. Several other vaccines are also in development, offering hope for the future.
For those visiting or residing in Hawaii, it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. This includes being cautious during peak mosquito activity times, choosing well-screened or air-conditioned accommodations, treating rooms with repellents, wearing protective clothing, and using CDC-recommended mosquito repellents.
While dengue fever outbreaks continue to occur in various parts of the world, including Central and South America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean, Hawaii remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent the disease from becoming endemic. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, both residents and visitors can help minimize the risk of dengue fever transmission in the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
