No New Dengue Cases 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 cases of dengue fever were noted by the Hawai’i Department of Health on Monday.

The last confirmed dengue case was reported in late March and there have been no known cases at risk of infecting mosquitoes with the disease since March 17, according to DOH.

In total, 263 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed. This includes 237 Big Island residents and 26 island visitors.

Since the outbreak began last September, 1,624 potential cases have been excluded from the count after negative test results and/or lack of case criteria. The number includes eight cases since last Friday.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Friday that “although confirmed cases appears to be on the decline and conditions continue to improve, everyone’s vigilance is needed to bring this outbreak to an end.”

Oliveira noted that the public should continue 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.

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.