Dengue Fever Cases Remain at 263

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 have been confirmed as we begin another work week.

The most recent confirmed dengue case was on March 23, which rose the overall case count to 263.

In total, 237 Big Island residents have contracted the disease, along with 26 visitors to the island. The overall number also includes 46 individuals listed as children, or those under the age of 18.

Since the onset of dengue in September, 1,570 potential cases of dengue have been excluded from the overall count. The exclusions are based on lack of case criteria and/or negative test results.

Since Friday, seven cases were added to the exclusion list and a total of 33 cases were added since last Monday.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense announced Friday morning that the County of Hawai’i Department of Environmental Management plans to extend its weekend transfer station hours throughout the month of April.

All Big Island transfer stations will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the work week, normal transfer station hours will continue.

Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said the longer hours are to support home and business owners in cleaning and removing potential mosquito breeding areas.

Two additional Household Hazardous Waste collection events have also been scheduled: Saturday, April 23 at the Kailua-Kona Transfer Station and Saturday, April 30 at the Hilo Transfer Station.

For transfer station hours, visit the Hawai’i Zero Waste website.

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.