Hawaiʻi’s Big Island is under a state of emergency after Hawaiʻi County Mayor Billy Kenoi issued a declaration in early February in response to a dengue outbreak. Since October 29, health officials have confirmed about 250 cases of the mosquito-borne virus on the island.
The emergency declaration temporarily relaxes restrictions on disposing of old tires at landfills. Tires that collect standing water create ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes, so allowing their removal and disposal helps reduce mosquito populations and slow the spread of disease.
This dengue outbreak is the largest recorded in Hawaiʻi since the 1940s. Dengue commonly causes high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. In more severe cases, it can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention.
Hawaiʻi Governor David Ige said he would not extend a statewide emergency declaration unless the outbreak spreads to other islands or additional mosquito-borne diseases—such as Zika—emerge locally. Zika has been circulating in parts of South and Central America and the Caribbean, and it poses particular concern because of links to severe birth defects when pregnant people are infected.
In January, a baby born at an Oʻahu hospital with brain abnormalities was identified as the first known case of a Zika-associated birth condition on U.S. soil, highlighting the risks these viruses present to pregnant people and newborns.
Local health agencies continue to urge residents and visitors to take precautions: eliminate standing water around homes, cover or properly store containers that can collect rain, maintain window and door screens, wear insect repellent when outdoors, and seek medical care if symptoms develop. Community efforts to remove breeding sites and increase public awareness remain key to controlling the outbreak and protecting vulnerable populations.