The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has identified a travel-related case of Zika virus and a separate travel-related case of dengue virus.
Although both are on Oʻahu, these are unrelated cases. The affected individuals were exposed to the respective virus while traveling in regions where Zika or dengue virus is known to circulate.
This is the first confirmed Zika case on O‘ahu in 2026. The most recent travel-related Zika case in Hawaiʻi was reported in 2025. No locally acquired cases have been documented in Hawaiʻi.
DOH teams have been deployed to conduct outreach, inspections and implement mosquito control measures in the affected areas. Because both Zika and dengue are transmitted by mosquitoes that exist locally, controlling mosquito populations in the affected areas is critical to preventing spread. DOH will continue to monitor mosquito numbers in these areas and take additional measures as needed. In areas without reported cases, eliminating mosquito breeding sites around the home is a helpful preventive measure.
While Hawaiʻi has the mosquito species capable of transmitting these diseases, the viruses are not established in Hawaiʻi and have been identified only in travelers.
Zika virus symptoms are typically mild and may include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes and muscle pain. Symptoms typically last a few days to a week. About 80% of Zika infections are asymptomatic. Hospitalization and death from Zika are uncommon.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers to check current Zika risk information before departure.
Anyone experiencing symptoms within two weeks after visiting an area with risk of Zika should consult a healthcare provider and inform them of possible exposure in a Zika-affected area.
For more information, visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Vector Control Branch (VCB) websites.
