Hawaii Health Officials Confirm Tenth Dengue Case
The Hawaii Department of Health reported a new travel-related dengue case on Maui this October.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Diseases — General
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The Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed a tenth travel-related dengue case in the state for 2026. Officials have deployed mosquito control teams to an undisclosed location to manage the risk of local transmission.
Why it matters
While dengue is not endemic to Hawaii, the arrival of travel-related cases requires active management to prevent local spread. Health officials maintain surveillance and control efforts as all cases in 2026 have been linked to travel in Pacific Island regions.
The 10 confirmed cases this year include seven on Oahu, two on Maui, and one on Kauai. Hawaii previously recorded 15 total dengue cases during the 2025 calendar year.
The players
Hawaii Department of Health
This state agency is responsible for protecting the health and well-being of Hawaii residents through disease surveillance and public health interventions.
The details
The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites, prompting the state to deploy control measures in an undisclosed area. Officials project that the risk of transmission from this specific case remains low.
Timeline
In 2025, Hawaii recorded a total of 15 dengue cases.
The 10th travel-related dengue case was confirmed in October 2026.
Health Landscape
The state's current active surveillance and mosquito control measures follow protocols developed after the 2015-2016 Hawaii dengue outbreak. This approach reflects the ongoing necessity of managing imported cases to protect the local population from potential endemic establishment.
Residents should remain aware that dengue is not endemic to the islands and is currently only appearing in travelers returning from Pacific Island countries. Anyone with concerns about symptoms or travel history can contact the Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.
The takeaway
Travelers returning from Pacific Island regions should monitor for symptoms like fever and rash after potential mosquito exposure. Prevention remains the primary defense against local transmission in the absence of an endemic threat.
Further reading
For more information on state disease monitoring, visit the Hawaii Diseases — General section.
Live Poll
Do you actively eliminate standing water around your home to help prevent mosquito breeding?
