Hawaii Confirmed New Travel-Related Dengue Case
State health officials reported an Oahu case, bringing the total for the year to nine instances.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Diseases — General
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The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a new travel-related dengue case on Oahu involving an individual exposed during travel to a Pacific Island region. This marks the ninth case reported in the state during 2026.
Why it matters
While dengue is not endemic to Hawaii, heavy rainfall has prompted officials to urge residents to eliminate standing water and reduce mosquito breeding sites. The risk of local disease transmission remains low despite the recent travel-linked report.
Hawaii has recorded nine total travel-related dengue cases this year, including seven on Oahu, one on Maui, and one on Kauai. All patients were infected during international travel to Pacific Island countries and territories.
The players
Hawaii Department of Health
The state agency responsible for overseeing public health, disease surveillance, and sanitation across the Hawaiian Islands.
The details
Health teams have implemented mosquito-control measures in the affected area of Oahu to mitigate potential risks. Since dengue is spread through mosquito bites, authorities are emphasizing the removal of standing water to prevent population growth of the insects.
Timeline
2026: Nine total travel-related dengue cases reported in Hawaii.
Health Landscape
The current surveillance and control protocol follows the procedures established after the 2015-2016 Hawaii dengue outbreak to manage non-endemic viral threats. This approach reflects the state's focus on preventing imported cases from establishing a local cycle of transmission.
Residents should eliminate standing water around their properties to prevent mosquitoes from breeding following recent heavy rainfall. If you have recently traveled to the Pacific Island region and experience symptoms, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
The takeaway
Dengue is not endemic to Hawaii, meaning transmission usually requires the virus to be brought in by a traveler. Staying vigilant about standing water around your home is the best way to prevent the mosquito populations that could potentially spread the virus locally.
Further reading
For more information on state health protocols, visit the Diseases — General section.
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