No New Dengue Fever Cases on Monday

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 dengue fever cases were reported on Monday, holding the confirmed case count to 262.

The Hawai’i Department of Health listed its most recent case on March 10, but increased the overall case number to 262 on Friday when an individual who visited the island contracted dengue in February.

Anna Koethe, DOH Public Health Information Coordinator, said Monday morning that the individual was tested upon returning home, and since the case wasn’t recent, it was not announced as a “new” case.

The individual’s case was not connected to the Waipio Valley case. Officials from Hawai’i County Civil Defense were waiting on test results from that case in order to make a decision on reopening the area.

Waipo Valley reopened at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, the last of three closures since the onset of dengue in September 2015.

In total, 236 Big Island residents have been infected by dengue. An additional 26 visitors have also been infected.

A total of 1,506 reported potential cases of dengue have been excluded from the overall count, including 45 in the past seven days.

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.

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.