Sixteen Days Since Last Dengue Case Confirmed

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 have been confirmed on the Big Island since last month.

The Hawai’i Department of Health last confirmed a dengue case on the Big Island on March 23. That case brought the overall dengue count to 263, where it remained on Friday.

In total, 263 Big Island residents have been infected with dengue. An additional 26 visitors also contracted dengue. There are no cases currently infectious to mosquitoes.

Since the onset of the outbreak last September, a total of 1,591 potential cases have been excluded from the overall dengue count. The excluded number includes 21 cases since Monday and four in the past day.

Cases that were excluded from the overall count include those that had negative test results and/or did not meet case criteria.

All Big Island transfer stations will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m throughout the month of April. During the work week, normal transfer station hours will continue.

Hawai’i County 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.