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Hawaii reports 12th travel-related case of dengue this year

Hawaii Department of Health officials have confirmed the state’s 12th travel-related dengue case this year.

Hawaii Department of Health officials have confirmed the state’s 12th travel-related dengue case this year.

The Hawaii Department of Health confirmed another travel-related dengue case on Oahu, bringing the total number in the state to 12 so far this year.

The latest case comes just about a week after another travel-related case was reported Aug. 15, also on Oahu. Earlier this month, a case was confirmed in Hana, Maui.

Department officials said in a news released today that teams have been deployed to the affected area, which it did not disclose, to conduct inspections and mosquito control. The public, meanwhile, is urged to take additional precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to stop mosquitoes from breeding.

Of the 12 travel-related dengue cases reported this year, eight have been on Oahu, three on Maui and one on Kauai.

Dengue virus is spread from infected person to mosquito to person, according to DOH. While Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitoes that can carry dengue, the disease is not established here.

Symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches, which typically last two to seven days. Although life-threatening illnesses can occur, most people recover after about a week.

Multiple regions around the world are experiencing higher-than-normal dengue activity, according to DOH. Of the dengue cases reported in Hawaii this year, many had traveled to Central or South America and Asia.

Residents returning from areas with risk of dengue should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. If symptoms develop within two weeks upon return, they should seek medical evaluation.

Residents are also encouraged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites — by emptying out any vessels of standing water — in and around their homes.

“In anticipation of the forecast Tropical Storm Hone, DOH advises everyone to eliminate vessels which may collect rainwater from areas around their homes and businesses,” department officials said in the news release. “Additionally, remove standing water from any containers, pots, plants or tarps after the storm.”

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