State DOH reports 2 travel-related dengue cases
The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a case of travel-related dengue in Hawaii County.
The case was in an individual who had recently traveled to a country where dengue is commonly found.
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An additional travel-related case of dengue also was reported in Kauai County.
The last confirmed case of locally acquired dengue in the state was in 2016.
Symptoms of dengue may be mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches.
Symptoms typically last two to seven days, and although severe and even life-threatening illness can occur, most people recover after about a week.
The dengue virus is spread from person to person by mosquitoes.
In areas of suspected or confirmed dengue, Hawaii DOH personnel are conducting inspections and mosquito-reducing activities. While Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitoes that can carry dengue, the disease is not endemic here, and cases are currently only seen in travelers.
Dengue outbreaks occur in many parts of the world, including the Philippines, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.
Anyone who travels to an area with dengue is at risk for infection.