An Aedes aegypti mosquito is pictured here. The mosquito is one of two in Hawai’i known to spread the dengue virus. Hawai’i Department of Health photo.
No new cases of dengue fever were confirmed on Thursday, leaving the number of confirmed cases at 261.
The Hawai’i Department of Health is not listing any cases as “potentially infectious” to mosquitoes.
Dengue onset of illness dates range a period of nearly six months, with the initial reported case on Sept. 11, 2015 to the the most recent on March 4.
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In total, 236 Big Island residents have been infected with the disease, along with 25 island visitors. None of the cases are currently infectious.
Since the onset of the outbreak, a total of 1,491 potential cases have been excluded from the overall confirmed case count. This number includes 30 since Monday.
Hilo, Kailua-Kona, and Kea’au were removed from the DOH’s weekly risk area map update on Wednesday.
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Volcano, as well as the Ho’okena area, returned to the list as “low risk” areas.
Preventative mosquito treatment and spraying took place on Thursday at the Waipio Valley Lookout. Hawai’i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira emphasized that the efforts were part of routine, preventative measures. The lookout reopened just after 10 a.m.
Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, joint or muscle pain, headache or pain behind the eyes, and rash.
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Those interested in obtaining general information about the current Big Island dengue fever investigation should call 2-1-1 and talk with Aloha United Way.
Anyone who thinks they may have contracted dengue fever on the Big Island should call 933-0912 if they are located in East Hawai‘i or 322-4877 in West Hawai‘i. If an individual is currently ill and concerned that they may have contracted dengue fever, they should contact their primary care physician.
Civil Defense suggests the following to aid in reducing potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses:
Remove or eliminate standing water that provides sources for mosquito breeding such as buckets or puddles.
Fix leaky faucets and outdoor hoses that are dripping water.
Treat bromeliads and other plants that hold water with a larvacide or chlorine bleach solution.
Clean gutters to allow water to drain freely.
Repair screens and windows to help keep mosquitoes out.
Dispose of old tires at no charge at county transfer stations islandwide.
Mosquito concerns should be reported to 974-6010 in East Hawai‘i or 322-1513 in West Hawai’i.
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