DOH Risk Map No Longer Includes East Hawai’i

The Hawai’i Department of Health updated its map of potential areas of dengue fever infection, based on confirmed case information as of Wednesday, April 6. DOH image.

It has been two weeks since the most recent case of dengue fever was confirmed on the Big Island.

The Hawai’i Department of Health said Wednesday that the overall confirmed case count remains at 263, with no new cases since March 23.

In the Department of Health’s updated Risk Area for Potential Dengue Infection map, released Wednesday afternoon, two locations were removed, including the remaining East Hawai’i location.

Volcano has been on the map previously, listed as “some risk” since March 16. The location was removed Wednesday, removing all pin-pointed East Hawai’i risk areas.

In addition, an area just north of Captain Cook was removed from the map.

The Hookena area was reduced from a previous “moderate risk” area designation to “some risk” on Wednesday. Kalaoa remains listed on the maps as being “some risk.”

In total, 237 Big Island residents have contracted the dengue virus, as have 26 island visitors. None of the cases remain infectious to mosquitoes.

Since the September outbreak, 1,576 potential cases of dengue have been excluded from the overall count. The cases excluded either had negative test results and/or lacked case criteria.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense announced last Friday 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 Saturday and Sunday 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.