7:45 a.m. Hawaii County Civil Defense Dengue Fever update

The State Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of 10:30 a.m. Friday (Nov 20) the Department of Health has reported 88 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 75 residents and 13 visitors.

Dengue fever is a virus that is transmitted or spread by infected mosquitoes and not directly from person to person. Dengue Fever is not endemic or common to Hawaii. It was likely introduced by a person who contracted the virus in another area of the world and became infectious while in Hawaii.

Because dengue fever is only transmitted by mosquitoes, the Department of Health is spraying and treating areas with high mosquito presence and confirmed cases. The Department of Health with support from the County of Hawaii and the Department of Education conducted preventive spraying or treating of areas around various school in the Kona and Hilo areas and will be conducting spraying at the Konawaena High School today.

Again, these school campuses are being treated as a preventative measure and based on proximity to confirmed cases in the area. There are no cases directly related to any of the school facilities or campuses. In addition, the spraying activities will be conducted around planned and scheduled activities at the campuses and no programs or activities at the schools have been cancelled.

Although spraying and treatment of areas is ongoing, the most effective method to reduce the spread and eliminate Dengue is to fight the bite. Minimize or prevent the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito by wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellant and avoid activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.

In addition, persons feeling ill and having a fever should remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes.

For additional information on Dengue Fever and preventing the spread of Dengue Fever, go to health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at 974-6001., Everyone’s help and assistance with this outbreak is much needed and appreciated.

Below is a map that depicts case locations as of 11/20/2015.

• This map will be updated weekly with location data provided by the State Department of Health. Locations may represent multiple cases.
• For the most up to date case counts and other information from the Department of Health, visit their website at health.hawaii.gov
• Surveying and spraying is being conducted at the residences of all suspect and confirmed cases, in addition to proactive spraying at nearby public facilities.
• This map should not be used to exclude any areas of the island from proactive mosquito control measures. All residents islandwide are encouraged to Fight The Bite by reducing mosquito breeding grounds and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.

Dengue Fever outbreak map by Hawaii County Civil Defense Friday, November 20, 2015.