Dengue: One Additional Case Confirmed, Two Infectious

Spraying operations being conducted on Nov. 2. DOH file photo.

One new case of dengue fever was confirmed on the Big Island Friday, bringing the total confirmed case count to 242.

The Hawai’i Department of Health also lists two cases as “potentially infectious.”

In total, dengue fever has been found in 218 Big Island residents, while 24 have affected visitors to the island. The 240 cases not listed as “potentially infectious” no longer pose a threat of spreading the disease

Four county parks were closed on Friday to treat mosquitoes that have the potential to spread dengue fever. The closures, which include Kailua Playground, Kipapa Park, Harold H. Higashihara Park, and Arthur C. Greenwell Park, including Sergeant Rodney J. Yano Memorial Hall, are temporary. The access road to Waipio Valley, as well as Milolii and Hookena Beach Park, remains closed.

A community meeting regarding the outbreak is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4 at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park’s Amphitheater.

The community update will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and include presentations by the Office of Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi, Hawai’i County Civil Defense, Hawai’i Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Geological Survey, and National Park Service.

Community meetings are being held through the month of February on a weekly basis in both East and West Hawai’i.

Hilo sessions take place on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at the State Office Building, located on Aupuni Street. Kona sessions are held at the same time, but at the West Hawai’i Civic Center, Mayor’s Conference Room.

Tuesday sessions are being held at Yano Hall in Captain Cook, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The community meetings provide updates and answers to questions from the community about the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island, as well as education about the prevalence, transmission, and symptoms of dengue fever, along with outbreak response efforts, how to interpret case counts and maps, and the best ways to “Fight the Bite.”

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, joint or muscle pain, headache or pain behind the eyes, and rash.

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.

Hawai’i County 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.