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 confirmed by the Hawai’i Department of Health on Monday, keeping the overall count at 264.
One dengue case was confirmed on Friday. DOH officials said the case was not newly contracted, but instead was an old case that hadn’t previously been confirmed. The case was not at risk of infecting mosquitoes.
Hawai’i County Department of Parks and Recreation crews conducted mosquito control and abatement as part of the ongoing plan to conduct preventative spraying operations on Monday.
The efforts being conducted at Hookena Beach Park will keep the park closed through 2:30 p.m.
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In total, 264 cases of dengue have been confirmed on the Big Island, with three cases confirmed in the past two calendar months.
DOH officials say 1,641 potential cases of dengue have been excluded from the overall case count since the outbreak began in September. Cases excluded were either deemed negative through laboratory testing and/or did not meet case criteria. Eight of the cases were excluded since Friday.
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.
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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.
Hawai’i County 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.
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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.
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