Dengue Fever Case Count Remains at 263

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.

The Hawai’i Department of Health has confirmed no new cases of dengue fever since March 23.

In total, there have been 263 confirmed cases of dengue on the Big Island, which includes 237 Big Island resident infections and 26 within visitors.

Since the onset of the Big Island’s dengue outbreak in September,  1,572 potential cases have been excluded by DOH. These cases were excluded based on negative test results and/or lack of case criteria. Two cases were excluded in the past day.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense announced last Friday 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 Saturday and Sunday 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.

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.