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 dengue fever cases have been reported by the Hawai’i Department of Health since last Thursday, when the first case in just over two weeks was reported.
That case remains infectious to mosquitoes with an onset of illness of March 4, according to DOH.
The total number of cases since the onset of the Big Island’s dengue outbreak in September 2015 sits at 261.
Residents of the Big Island have made up 236 of the cases, while 25 cases have been within visitors to the island.
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Since last Friday, 12 potential cases of dengue have been excluded from the overall count, making a total of 1,461 since the onset on the outbreak. Cases excluded from the count include those that have been deemed negative through testing and/or cases that do not meet case criteria.
On Sunday morning, Hawai’i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira reiterated that the outbreak is not over.
“Thursday’s one new confirmed case helps to remind everyone that as previously stated, this outbreak remains active and is not anticipated to be considered over anytime in the near future,” Oliveira said in a radio message.
Oliveira said on Sunday that the action was “a preventative measure only.”
No cases have been confirmed with the park since November, and public access was reinstated last month.
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.
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.
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