Hawaii Reports New Travel-Related Dengue Case
State officials confirmed a new imported case on Maui, reminding residents to watch for symptoms after travel.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Diseases — General
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Hawaii health officials have confirmed a tenth travel-related case of dengue fever for 2026, including two cases now reported on Maui. Because the virus is not endemic to the state, these infections were acquired while traveling in Pacific Island regions.
Why it matters
While the risk of local transmission remains low, public health officials actively monitor these imported cases to prevent the virus from becoming established. Recognizing the symptoms of dengue after returning from travel remains the best way to help state monitoring efforts.
Active state surveillance has confirmed 10 travel-related dengue cases in Hawaii during 2026, compared to 15 cases total in 2025. The current case count includes seven on Oahu, two on Maui, and one on Kauai, though the exact regional origins of these infections remain under investigation.
The players
Hawaii Department of Health
The state agency responsible for monitoring infectious diseases and implementing public health safety protocols.
The details
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Because the virus is not endemic to Hawaii, these cases were contracted by residents or visitors traveling in Pacific Island regions. Officials have deployed mosquito control teams to an undisclosed location to mitigate any potential for local spread.
Timeline
In 2025, Hawaii recorded 15 total cases of dengue.
As of October 2026, Hawaii has confirmed 10 travel-related dengue cases.
Health Landscape
Hawaii remains a non-endemic state for dengue, marking a significant contrast to the 2015-2016 Hawaii dengue outbreak where local transmission was widespread. Public health strategies today focus on identifying imported cases early to prevent the virus from re-establishing a local foothold.
If you have recently traveled to a Pacific Island region and develop symptoms such as high fever, rash, or joint pain, you should contact your primary care physician. You can also report potential disease concerns to the Hawaii Department of Health at 808-586-4586.
The takeaway
Dengue fever is a serious concern for travelers, though the risk of local spread in Hawaii remains low. Monitor your health for flu-like symptoms following travel and discuss any concerns with your physician or report them to the state disease line at 808-586-4586.
Further reading
Learn more about monitoring and prevention in Hawaii Diseases — General.
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Do you actively eliminate standing water around your home to help prevent mosquito breeding?
