Vector Control Branch

Mosquitoes are a known potential vector for disease in Hawai‘i. The mosquito species that are endemic to the islands can transmit diseases like Zika, dengue and chikungunya, but they do not naturally carry such diseases. In order to transmit an infection, a mosquito would first need to bite an infected person. Our tropical climate and consistent flux of tourists, make mosquito control a year-round task.

What does the Vector Control Branch do with mosquitoes?
Our approach to mosquito control utilizes Integrated Pest Management. We routinely trap mosquitoes as part of routine surveillance and for research purposes. The basis of this method of mosquito control is in the knowledge and practice that our community upholds, then we take physical and mechanical measures to control the mosquito population. We monitor and document mosquitoes, treat certain areas with insecticide and will respond to any mosquito-related disease outbreak.

We set up traps near seaports and airports and collect more than 20,000 mosquitoes in a year. These traps mimic a mosquito breeding area and capture both adult and immature mosquitoes.

What can the public do?
Protect yourself from being bitten with insect repellent, long sleeve clothing or pants, and repairing screens on windows and doors. Reduce the habitat that mosquitoes use to breed by fixing leaky faucets and getting rid of standing water near your home at least once per week. For more ways to prevent mosquito bites visit: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html or engage with Fight the Bite Hawaii on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

What should I report?
If you are displaying symptoms after returning from a location where like Zika, dengue and chikungunya are endemic, contact your primary care physician for appropriate tests.

Physicians: To report a case, please call the Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division at (808) 586-4586.

For more about mosquito-related diseases including the latest case counts go to https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease-types/mosquito-transmitted/.