Dengue Fever Outbreak Isn’t Reason to Cancel Hawaii Trips, CDC Says

Despite the growing dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii’s Big Island, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday travelers shouldn’t cancel their vacation plans.

The virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has affected 88 people since September, the AP reported. But, “this isn’t a huge outbreak compared to elsewhere,” said Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the CDC’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases. He said using mosquito repellent can greatly reduce one’s risk.

Symptoms include high fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches, joint pain, and a rash, which usually last up to two weeks.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority said it has not seen an increase in cancellations.

Photo courtesy: Frank Schulenburg