Hawaii Confirms First Zika Case of 2024, Alongside Rising Dengue Cases on Oahu
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Hawaii’s Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed the first travel-related case of Zika virus on Oahu this year, raising public health awareness as the state also monitors an increase in dengue fever cases. The confirmation underscores the ongoing risk of imported mosquito-borne illnesses and the importance of preventative measures.
Zika Virus Returns to Hawaii
This latest case marks Hawaii’s first confirmed instance of Zika in 2024. A similar travel-related case was identified on oahu in May of the previous year. According to the DOH, travel-associated Zika cases were more prevalent in Hawaii between 2015 and 2019, coinciding with global circulation of the virus, peaking at 25 cases in 2017. Importantly, to date, no instances of locally acquired Zika have been documented within the state.
The Zika virus, like dengue, is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While Hawaii possesses the mosquito species capable of carrying Zika, the virus is not currently established within the local mosquito population. Though, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that Zika can also spread through sexual contact or from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy, potentially causing severe birth defects and complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and preterm birth.
common symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, headache, red eyes, and joint and muscle pain. However, the CDC reports that many individuals infected with Zika experience no symptoms or only mild ones.
Dengue Cases Also on the Rise
Separately, the DOH also confirmed another travel-related case of dengue on Oahu, which will be recorded as the 15th case of dengue in Hawaii for 2025, based on symptom onset. Symptoms of dengue include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, and various aches and pains, including eye pain.
Officials emphasize that the Zika and dengue cases are unrelated, with both affected individuals having been exposed to the viruses while traveling in regions where they are known to circulate.
Public Health Response and Prevention
“DOH teams have been deployed to conduct outreach,inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected areas,” the department stated. “As both Zika and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes that exist locally, controlling mosquito populations in the affected areas is critical to preventing spread.”
The DOH is continuing to monitor mosquito numbers in
Why: Hawaii’s Department of Health (DOH) is responding to the confirmation of the first travel-related Zika virus case of 2024 on Oahu, alongside an increase in dengue fever cases. The cases highlight the ongoing risk of imported mosquito-borne illnesses.
Who: The affected individuals are travelers who contracted Zika and dengue while visiting regions where the viruses are prevalent. The DOH, CDC, and healthcare providers are involved in the response and prevention efforts.
What: Hawaii has confirmed one travel-related case of Zika virus and is monitoring 15 cases of dengue fever for 2025. Both viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes, and while Hawaii has the mosquito species capable of carrying them, there is no local transmission currently.
How did it end? as of this report, the situation is ongoing. The DOH is actively conducting outreach, inspections, and mosquito control measures in affected areas on Oahu, though specific locations haven’t been disclosed. The DOH is monitoring mosquito populations and advising travelers to take preventative measures. The cases are currently isolated to travel-related exposure, with no evidence of local transmission.
