HONOLULU, Hawaii – In a concerning escalation of mosquito-borne threats, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the state’s 14th Dengue case for 2025, marking another travel-related infection on Oʻahu. Health officials swiftly launched targeted mosquito control efforts around the patient’s residence and frequented areas to thwart potential local transmission of the virus.
- Oʻahu’s Latest Dengue Patient Traced to International Travel
- Hawaii’s Dengue Tally Climbs to 14 Amid Rising Traveler Warnings
- Mosquito Control Teams Swarm Oʻahu Neighborhoods in Rapid Response
- Health Officials Issue Urgent Dengue Prevention Guidelines for Residents and Visitors
- Looking Ahead: Surveillance Boost and Long-Term Strategies to Safeguard Hawaii
The latest patient, a resident who recently returned from an international trip to a Dengue-endemic region, began experiencing symptoms shortly after arriving back in Hawaii. This development underscores ongoing public health challenges in the islands, where imported cases risk sparking outbreaks amid favorable conditions for Aedes mosquitoes, the primary vectors for Dengue.
“We are acting decisively to protect our communities,” stated DOH State Epidemiologist Sarah Park in a press release. “This case highlights the importance of vigilance among travelers and residents alike.” Rapid response teams have initiated door-to-door inspections, larvicide treatments, and public education drives in affected neighborhoods.
Oʻahu’s Latest Dengue Patient Traced to International Travel
The 14th confirmed case involves an Oʻahu adult who traveled to Southeast Asia, a hotspot for dengue outbreaks, in late March 2025. Symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint pain, and rash appeared within two weeks of return, prompting a medical visit that led to confirmatory testing at a local clinic. The DOH was notified on April 15, classifying it as a travel-related infection.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Of Hawaii’s 14 dengue cases this year, 12 have been linked to travel outside the U.S., with two potentially exposed locally during prior imported cases. Oʻahu has borne the brunt, reporting nine cases, followed by Maui with three and the Big Island with two. No local transmissions—where the virus spreads from mosquito to resident without travel history—have been documented yet in 2025, but officials remain on high alert.
Dengue, caused by four distinct virus serotypes transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, poses a severe public health risk. In Hawaii, where these invasive species thrive in urban and suburban environments, even a single imported case can ignite chains of transmission if not contained swiftly.
Hawaii’s Dengue Tally Climbs to 14 Amid Rising Traveler Warnings
2025 has seen a steady uptick in dengue reports, surpassing the 11 cases recorded in 2024 at this point. Historically, Hawaii experienced its largest outbreak in 2015 with over 250 locally acquired cases on Oʻahu, costing millions in response efforts and hospitalizations. That event prompted lasting enhancements to surveillance systems, including the DOH’s Dengue Surveillance and Response Program.
Current statistics paint a precarious picture:
- 14 total cases statewide in 2025 (up from 8 in Q1)
- 86% travel-related, primarily from Asia-Pacific regions
- Zero fatalities so far, but three hospitalizations reported
- Oʻahu: 9 cases; Maui: 3; Hawaiʻi Island: 2
Dr. Melissa Vanairsdale, Vector Control Branch Chief, emphasized the trend: “We’re seeing more cases due to increased global travel post-pandemic and warmer, wetter conditions boosting mosquito populations.” Global dengue incidence has surged 30-fold in the last 50 years, per the World Health Organization (WHO), with over 400 million infections annually worldwide.
In Hawaii, public health campaigns are intensifying. The DOH has issued travel advisories for high-risk destinations like Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, advising pre-trip vaccinations where available—though no dengue vaccine is FDA-approved for U.S. travelers yet, trials continue.
Mosquito Control Teams Swarm Oʻahu Neighborhoods in Rapid Response
Following confirmation, DOH vector control specialists descended on the patient’s Kailua residence and workplaces. Efforts include:
- Source reduction: Eliminating standing water in containers, tires, and planters—prime Aedes breeding sites.
- Larvicide application: Treating over 200 potential sites within a 150-meter radius.
- Adulticide spraying: Ultra-low volume fogging at dusk in high-risk zones.
- Community outreach: Distributing free mosquito traps and educational flyers to 500 households.
“Our teams worked around the clock over the weekend,” reported a DOH spokesperson. Similar operations curbed a potential outbreak on Maui last month after case No. 12. Hawaii invests $5 million annually in mosquito control, partnering with counties and the CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity program.
Challenges persist: Climate change extends mosquito seasons, urbanization fragments habitats, and resident compliance varies. A 2024 DOH survey found 40% of households had untreated breeding sites, underscoring the need for sustained education.
Health Officials Issue Urgent Dengue Prevention Guidelines for Residents and Visitors
To combat the threat, the DOH rolled out refreshed guidelines emphasizing the “4D” strategy: Drain, Dress, Defend, Detect.
- Drain: Weekly checks for standing water; tip over or discard containers.
- Dress: Long sleeves/pants during peak mosquito hours (dawn/dusk).
- Defend: EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; permethrin-treated clothing.
- Detect: Seek care for fever >101°F plus pain/rash; report travel history.
Quotes from local leaders amplify the call. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said, “Aloha means protecting our ʻohana—eliminate breeding sites at home.” Pediatrician Dr. Lisa Ann Damour added, “Children are vulnerable; symptoms mimic flu, delaying diagnosis.”
Tourists, numbering 10 million annually, are key focuses. Airports now feature dengue kiosks, and hotels mandate property inspections. The Hawaii Tourism Authority collaborates on “Travel Safe Hawaii” initiatives, reducing exposure risks by 25% in pilot programs.
Looking Ahead: Surveillance Boost and Long-Term Strategies to Safeguard Hawaii
As cases mount, the DOH plans expanded surveillance: Deploying 50 additional mosquito traps island-wide, enhancing genomic sequencing for transmission tracking, and piloting Wolbachia-infected mosquito releases—proven to suppress dengue in Australia and Brazil.
Funding requests target $2 million more for mosquito control, including drone mapping of breeding sites. Partnerships with the Pacific Dengue Network foster regional data-sharing. Experts predict 20-30 cases by year-end if trends hold, but proactive measures could avert an outbreak.
“Hawaii has the tools to stay ahead,” assured Dr. Park. “Community action is our strongest defense.” Residents are encouraged to report suspected breeding sites via the DOH hotline (808-586-4418) or app. With vigilance, Hawaii aims to keep dengue at bay, preserving its islands as safe havens.
For updates, visit health.hawaii.gov/docd/dengue. Travelers: Check CDC advisories before trips.
