Information Launch – Division of Well being reviews travel-related dengue virus instances in Hawai‘i
Posted on Aug 7, 2023 in Newest Division Information, Newsroom
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Division of Well being (DOH) has obtained two reviews of travel-related dengue instances in Hawai‘i, one in Kaua‘i County and one in Hawai‘i County. Each instances had been in people who had current journey to nations the place dengue is usually discovered. The final confirmed case of domestically acquired dengue within the state was in 2016.
Dengue virus is unfold from individual to individual by mosquitos. In areas of suspected or confirmed dengue, Hawai‘i DOH personnel are conducting inspections and mosquito-reducing actions. Decreasing mosquito populations reduces the possibilities of dengue being transmitted to different individuals. In areas with out reported dengue instances, eliminating mosquito breeding websites in and round your own home is an effective observe. Mosquitos solely want small quantities of standing water to breed. Frequent breeding websites at residence embrace buckets, water catching crops (comparable to bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels and even cups left outdoors. Merely pouring out containers of standing water eliminates the potential for mosquito breeding.
Whereas Hawai‘i is residence to the kind of mosquitos that may carry dengue, the illness isn’t established (endemic) right here within the state, and instances are at present solely seen in vacationers. Dengue outbreaks do happen in lots of components of the world together with Central and South America, Asia (together with the Republic of the Philippines), the Center East, Africa, some Pacific Islands (together with the U.S. territories of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau) and in lots of fashionable vacationer locations within the Caribbean (together with Puerto Rico).
Anybody who travels to an space with dengue is in danger for an infection. Some nations are reporting elevated numbers of instances, so it is crucial 4-6 weeks earlier than you journey to evaluation country-specific journey data for the freshest steerage on dengue danger and prevention measures for that nation. At present, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) advises vacationers to observe common precautions when touring to areas of dengue danger to scale back your possibilities of mosquito bites. This consists of utilizing an EPA-registered insect repellent, carrying long-sleeved shirts and lengthy pants when open air, particularly at nightfall and daybreak, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or room with window screens or beneath an insecticide-treated mattress web. Vacationers coming back from an space with danger of dengue ought to take steps to stop mosquito bites for 3 weeks, and if signs of dengue develop inside 2 weeks upon return, ought to search medical analysis.
Signs of dengue could also be gentle or extreme and embrace fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and physique aches. Signs sometimes final two to seven days and though extreme and even life-threatening sickness can happen, most individuals recuperate after a few week.
For extra data, please go to the Illness Outbreak Management Division (DOCD) web site and Vector Management Department (VCB) web site.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Shawn Hamamoto
Spokesperson
Hawai‘i Division of Well being
Cellphone: (808) 586-4417
E-mail: [email protected]
