Dengue virus detected in Hawaii County wastewater

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has detected the dengue virus in a wastewater sample collected from the Hilo wastewater treatment plant in Hawaii County on August 24. The DOH was notified of the positive result on Monday and has since collected a follow-up sample, with results currently pending.

While the detection of viral genetic material in wastewater serves as an early indicator for monitoring potential cases, officials noted it does not necessarily confirm a clinical case or indicate active community transmission. Currently, the DOH is not tracking any active dengue cases in Hawaii County.

All seven dengue cases reported in Hawaii so far this year have been travel-associated, involving travel to Pacific Island countries and territories. Although Hawaii is home to mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus, the disease is not considered endemic to the state. Health officials recommend that residents prevent mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water in containers such as buckets, planters, and rain barrels.