DOH: New Dengue Case Confirmed with Older Onset

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.

One new case of dengue fever was confirmed on the Big Island on Friday, bringing the total number of those infected with the disease in the outbreak to 264.

DOH officials say that the case had an older onset, but was just recently confirmed.

The case does not pose a current threat to residents on the Big Island and does not represent “recent activity.”

No cases are currently infectious or are at risk of spreading the disease to mosquitoes.

The case comes just two days before the one-month mark since the last dengue case was confirmed.

It was not immediately clear when the case dated back to, as the DOH continues to note that the most recent illness onset was March 17.

Since the outbreak began last September, a total of 1,633 potential cases have been excluded from the overall dengue count. These cases either tested negative for the virus and/or did not meet case criteria.

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

The second of two Household Hazardous Waste collection events will take place this Saturday 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.