Dengue: Week Ends with No New Cases

Spraying operations being conducted on Nov. 2. DOH file photo.

No new cases of dengue fever were reported on the Big Island this week.

The Hawai’i Department of Health continues to list the overall case count as 263, with no known cases currently at risk of spreading the disease to mosquitoes.

In total, 237 Big Island residents have been infected with dengue. All cases have since reportedly recovered, with an additional 26 visitors acquiring the disease.

Since Monday, 19 potential cases have been excluded from the confirmed count. These cases either tested negative for the dengue virus and/or did not meet case criteria. The overall excluded case count number is at a total of 1,616 since the outbreak began last September.

On Monday, Governor David Ige announced the extension of the emergency period on mosquito-born illnesses, signing a supplemental proclamation.

The proclamation extends the emergency period for another 60 days. Governor Ige declared a state of emergency on Feb. 12, four days after Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi issued an emergency declaration in the face of the dengue fever outbreak.

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.