Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, folks worldwide have fantasized about travel to all kinds of exotic places. It is forecast that the travel industry will soon be booming. However, some caution should be considered. Hawaii is a great choice for most mainlanders, but what about residents of Hawaii that have dreams of Machu Pichu, Tahiti or Southeast Asia?
We still have to be wary of COVID-19, but there are many other diseases to consider when traveling.
Dengue fever is just one of many mosquito transmitted diseases with which we should be concerned. There has been a serious epidemic of Chikungunya in the South Pacific. West Nile Virus is another that may be transmitted to humans from infected birds. We are all getting better educated about the potential hazards of bringing plants and animals into Hawaii without following the proper procedures. Agricultural inspections and quarantines are a way of life when we travel these days, but now we are reminded again that serious human diseases are also lurking in the shadows only to be inadvertently introduced into the Islands.
Of course, it is common sense that flu and similar diseases can come with travelers. We experience this each flu season, but dengue fever, yellow fever and perhaps even malaria could become a problem if we are not careful. Unfortunately, we do have the specific mosquito carriers or vectors present. They also require a reservoir where the disease organisms can reside unnoticed. Some research shows that Dengue may be harbored by animals other than humans like monkeys, pigs or rats, although this seems to be rare.
I learned this several years ago through a conversation with a state Department of Health worker. The reason I was concerned is that I became very sick with dengue on a Peace Corps trip to Nicaragua. I was so sick that I had to delay coming home for two weeks. If I had felt better, I would have returned to Hawaii immediately, thus inadvertently being potentially infectious. If the right mosquito had found me and then bit someone else, they could have become infected.
Dengue is also called Breakbone Fever, because an infected person feels like every bone in the body damaged. This condition can last for weeks. It is important to be aware of the potential of this disease and others, since quite a few Hawaii residents are returning from Southeast Asia, South Pacific and South America this year where Dengue is endemic. Travelers should be aware that if running a fever on return to the islands, it would be a good idea to check in with their local physician or Urgent Care Clinic.
Thanks to our isolation and diligent efforts of our departments of Agriculture and Health, many potential pests or diseases have not found there way here. However, it takes the cooperation of everyone to make sure that we don’t bring in pests that could devastate our economy and overall environment.
Folks returning to Hawaii after a trip sometimes comment with pride about the plant or seeds they got past the inspector. Bringing unchecked plants is foolish and dangerous. For example, the banana skipper became established here in the mid 1970s. No doubt, this butterfly-caterpillar was brought in by someone’s carelessness. The insect is a problem because it feeds on banana leaves. This requires more spraying by the farmer or homeowner. The pest also feeds on cannas, heliconias, and bird of paradise. The banana bunchy top virus that threatened the Big Island banana industry is another that was probably introduced through illegal importation of banana plants.
The thought of accidentally transporting pests into a noninfested area may not excite the average gardener, but beware. Plant pests tend to multiply at an amazing rate. One new female insect brought to our islands can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs. Without natural enemies, these insects could possibly ravage much of our tropical vegetation.
Another example of pest introduction is that of several species of fruit flies. These insects brought into Hawaii years ago have spread throughout the islands and caused untold millions of dollars damage to tropical fruit and vegetables. It will cost millions to rid our selves of these pests. Just a few people illegally bringing in uninspected fruit on their travels may have caused these infestations.
And again, there is lethal yellowing. This is a disease that killed most Florida coconut palms. Luckily we have not found one case of this disease in Hawaii. Unfortunately, it has reached Mexico and is spreading along the Caribbean Coast. Replanting with the resistant Dwarf Coconut Palm and its hybrids have allowed the areas to flourish with palms again.
Who would want to be the cause of bringing some pest to Hawaii? You are probably thinking, “Oh, no, not me, I know if a plant is healthy or not.” Most growers do recognize the telltale signs of insect activity — wilting, chewed leaves, or blasted flowers. But plant pests do not always leave signs of their presence. Plants may be contaminated by bacteria, virus, larvae, or insect eggs even if we don’t see them.
With the world soon being open to travel again, we must be even more cautious about spreading unwanted pests and diseases of plants, animals and humans.