Dengue: No New Cases, Transfer Station Hour Extensions

File photo.

No new cases of dengue fever have been reported on the Big Island since March 23.

The case count remains at 263 with no cases as risk of infecting mosquitoes, according to the Hawai’i Department of Health.

In total, 237 Big Island residents have been infected with the dengue virus, along with 26 visitors. The total includes 46 individuals listed as being under the age of 18.

As of Friday afternoon, 1,563 potential cases have been excluded from the overall dengue count. This includes cases that tested negative for dengue or did not meet case criteria. Three of the excluded cases were reported in the past day.

Since Monday, 26 cases have been deemed negative.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense announced Friday morning that the County of Hawai’i Department of Environmental Management plans to extend its weekend transfer station hours throughout the month of April.

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

Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said the longer hours are to support home and business owners in cleaning and removing potential mosquito breeding areas.

Two additional Household Hazardous Waste collection events have also been scheduled, Saturday, April 23 at the Kailua-Kona Transfer Station and Saturday, April 30 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.

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.
• 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.