DOH: No New Dengue Cases, None Infectious

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 have been reported by the Hawai’i Department of Health, and for the second day in a row, no individuals are currently listed by DOH as “potentially infectious.”

This information includes data released by DOH officials at 1 p.m. Thursday, but may not include tests of individuals whose results are pending or who have not come forward with potential illness.

So far, a total of 224 individuals have been infected with the dengue virus between Sept. 11 and Jan. 8. All of the individuals on record as having the disease are no longer infectious, according to DOH.

Fourteen additional cases of dengue have been excluded from the overall count in the past day. Negative test results or lack of meeting case criteria have ruled cases deemed previously listed as “suspected” cases out of question.

Waipio Valley, Milolii, and Hookena Beach Park remain closed. County officials have previously said the closures would likely last weeks following no reported cases of dengue to ensure public safety.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl OIiveira said on Wednesday that “to be successful in controlling and ending this outbreak, everyone’s help is needed to Fight The Bite.”

Oliveira listed the following steps individuals should continue to take to reduce potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses:

• Removing or eliminating 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.

The Hamakua-Kohala Health Center will host a meeting with the DOH and Civil Defense for the Honokaa community on Friday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at the North Hawai’i Education and Research Center.

Community meetings also continue to be held on a weekly basis in both East and West Hawai’i.

Hilo sessions take place on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at the State Office Building, located on Aupuni Street. Kona sessions are held at the same time, but at the West Hawai’i Civic Center, Mayor’s Conference Room.

Tuesday sessions are being held at Yano Hall in Captain Cook, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The community meetings provide updates and answers to questions from the community about the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island, as well as education about the prevalence, transmission, and symptoms of dengue fever, along with outbreak response efforts, how to interpret case counts and maps, and the best ways 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.

Mosquito concerns should be reported to 974-6010 in East Hawai‘i or 322-1513 in West Hawai‘i.