New Dengue Case Added to Count

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 reported on the Hawai’i Department of Health’s dengue fever update website on Friday.

The case, which involved a visitor, raises the overall confirmed dengue count to 262 cases.

DOH was not clear on whether the case involved a child or an adult, whether the individual remains infectious, or when the onset of illness was.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense officials said that the reopening of Waipio Valley, which has been closed since January, is in the works, pending the result of a potential case from an individual who had been in the Waipio area.

It is unclear whether the case confirmed on Friday represents the case Civil Defense is awaiting results for.

As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, Civil Defense said they had not received an update on the case from DOH regarding the status of the suspected Waipio case.

According to Civil Defense, if the newly added case is not the one in question, Waipio could reopen as early as Monday.

Attempts to reach the DOH for clarification by the end of the workday were not returned.

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.