The response to the Dengue Fever outbreak continues and as a proactive and preventative measure, Milolii Beach Park will be closed until further notice. This action is necessary to allow for health and parks department staff to conduct mosquito control and pesticide treatments. In addition, the Hookena Beach Park also remains closed until further notice. Access to both the areas will be limited to local residents only. We apologize for any inconvenience with these closures.
Dengue is a virus that is transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito, which can then infect another person. Dengue fever cannot be spread directly from person to person. Of the 181 confirmed cases, 7 are recent and could be in the stage of their illness in which they can infect mosquitoes.
Symptoms of dengue include a high fever, intense headache and joint pain, and rash on the arms. If you suspect you may have dengue, contact your health care provider and remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes.
The Department of Health is spraying and treating areas connected to confirmed cases to reduce mosquito populations. In addition, Civil Defense teams are inspecting areas of high mosquito presence reported by the community. If teams visit your home while you are away, they will leave a note – please follow the instructions on the note to contact the appropriate agency.
While these efforts lower risk by reducing mosquito populations, the most effective method to reduce the spread of dengue is for everyone to avoid and prevent mosquito bites. Fight The Bite by wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, using mosquito repellant, and avoiding activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.
Effective this week, county government updates to the dengue outbreak will be limited to three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
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.
As of December 25, 2015: Since the last update, HDOH has identified 1 new cases of dengue fever since yesterday. Currently, as many as 7 of the confirmed cases to date are potentially infectious to mosquitoes. All others are no longer infectious. | ||
---|---|---|
Potentially infectious individuals | 7 | Illness onset 12/15/15 to 12/20/15 |
Cases no longer infectious | 174 | Illness onset 9/11/15 to 12/14/15 |
Past and present confirmed cases (Cumulative TOTAL) | 181 |
Of the confirmed cases, 163 are Hawaii Island residents and 18 are visitors.
145 cases have been adults; 36 have been children (less than 18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 – 12/20/15.
As of today, a total of 708 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria
HDOH continues to routinely monitor for cases of imported dengue infection on ALL islands and will continue to have Vector Control perform mosquito site assessments and abatement as needed. Since the beginning of our current investigation on Hawaii island, one imported dengue fever case has been confirmed (on Oahu). This case is not associated with the Hawaii island investigation.
- Traveling to the Big Island?
- Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers
- Tips by North Hawaii Community Hospital on recognizing the onset of dengue fever
- CDC information including their recommended mosquito repellents
- Choosing and using insect repellents
- Hawaii State Department of Health information site on the Dengue Fever 2015 outbreak.
- Fight the Bite Fact Sheet
- Fight the Bite FlyerÂ
- Frequently Asked Questions (11/13/2015)
- Letter to Hawaii Island Residents and Visitors
- Bug Off! Using Mosquito Repellants
- Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites (11â€x17â€)
- Community Information Meeting in Spanish and English
Call Aloha United Way 2-1-1 for general information about dengue fever and the current Big Island dengue investigation.
To report a suspect case, contact:
On the Big Island: 808-974-6001 (East Hawaii) or 808-322-4880 (West Hawaii)
On other islands: DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division at 808-586-4586.
To report mosquito concerns, contact:
On the Big Island: 808-974-6001 (East Hawaii) or 808-322-4880 (West Hawaii)
On Oahu: 808-586-8021, on Maui: 808-873-3560, on Kauai: 808-241-3306
If you are ill and are worried that you might have dengue fever, contact your healthcare provider.
Clinicians: for updates go to http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/updates-and-resources-for-clinicians/
Leave a Reply