Daijiworld Media Network - Honolulu
Honolulu, Jan 15: The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a travel-related case of the Zika virus on Oahu, marking the state’s first Zika infection reported this year.
According to health officials, the individual was exposed to the virus while travelling in a region where Zika is known to circulate. The last travel-related Zika case in Hawaii was reported in May 2025, also on Oahu.
The DOH said travel-associated Zika cases were more commonly reported in Hawaii between 2015 and 2019, when the virus was spreading globally, with cases peaking at 25 in 2017. To date, no locally acquired Zika cases have been documented in the state.
Zika, like dengue, is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While mosquito species capable of spreading the virus are present in Hawaii, the virus itself is not established locally. Zika can also be spread through sexual contact or from a pregnant person to a fetus, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infection during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects and complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth.
Common symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, headache, red eyes, and joint and muscle pain. However, the CDC noted that many infected individuals may experience no symptoms or only mild illness.
Separately, the DOH also confirmed another travel-related case of dengue on Oahu. This case will be counted as the 15th dengue case reported in Hawaii in 2025, based on the onset of symptoms.
Dengue symptoms include fever, rash, nausea, vomiting and body aches, including pain behind the eyes.
Health officials clarified that the Zika and dengue cases are not related, and that both individuals were exposed while travelling abroad.
“DOH teams have been deployed to conduct outreach, inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected areas,” the department said, adding that controlling mosquito populations is critical to preventing the spread of both diseases. The DOH did not disclose the specific areas of Oahu impacted.
The CDC has advised travellers to check Zika and dengue risk information before travelling. Anyone who develops symptoms within two weeks of returning from areas where these viruses circulate has been urged to seek medical attention and inform doctors of possible exposure.