Hawaii County Civil Defense dengue fever update
As of approximately 12 noon Thursday (Nov 5) the State Department of Health has confirmed 19 cases of dengue fever originating on Hawai’i Island and is investigating other suspected cases. These confirmed cases include both residents and visitors and are distributed across multiple areas of the island.
Dengue fever is a virus that is spread by infected mosquitos. It is not transmitted directly from person to person. Symptoms of dengue fever include severe headaches, rash, and pain in eyes, joints, muscles and bones. Some of these symptoms can resemble other illnesses. If you believe you may be suffering from dengue fever, contact your health care provider and follow their recommendations.
The State Department of Health is working with other State and County agencies to identify common factors in these cases, inspect possible sources of dengue-carrying mosquitos, and take appropriate control actions.
To prevent the potential spread of dengue fever, the State Department of Health recommends residents take steps to remove standing water where mosquitos can live and breed at their homes and businesses. Water catchment systems should be covered to prevent possible breeding opportunities. To aid in reducing possible breeding areas the County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management will be accepting old tires at the following solid waste transfer stations:
- Waiohinu Transfer Station
- Waiea Transfer Station
- Keei Transfer Station
This tire collection is limited to residential clean up only and limited to the normal operating hours of the listed transfer stations.
In addition the Department of Health recommends people should avoid mosquito bites by wearing light colored long sleeves and pants outdoors, and considering the use of mosquito repellent if going to an area where you are likely to get bitten. Extra care should be taken by people who are medically fragile to include our seniors and young children. If using mosquito repellants, please read and follow the instructions and precautions.
As a proactive and preventative measure, Hookena Beach Park will remain closed until further notice. This action is necessary to allow for health and parks department staff to conduct mosquito control and pesticide treatments. Additional spraying and treatment activities will be conducted n the Honaunau and Telephone Exchange Road areas in Kona Friday (Nov 6).
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 974-4000, extension 68362.
MEDIA RELEASE
The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) is currently investigating a cluster of locally-acquired cases of dengue fever on the Big Island of Hawaii. As of November 5, 2015, there have been 19 confirmed cases identified.
Confirmed cases, TOTAL 19
Hawaii Island residents 12
Visitors 7
Of the 19 cases, 17 are adults and two are pediatric cases. All have either recovered or are recovering.
The onset of illness has ranged between 9/15/15 – 10/27/15.
Dengue is not endemic in Hawaii, however it is intermittently imported from endemic areas by infected travelers. This is the first cluster of locally-acquired dengue fever since the 2011 outbreak on Oahu.
For additional information on dengue fever and preventing the spread of the dengue fever please go to the Hawaii State Department of Health website at health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at (808) 974-4000 extension 68362.
More PDF info on:
Tips by North Hawaii Community Hospital on recognizing the onset of dengue fever
Schematic depiction of the symptoms of dengue fever
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