Confirmed Dengue Fever cases rises to 79, mosquito spraying continuing

Categorized | Dengue Fever, Health

Confirmed Dengue Fever cases rises to 79, mosquito spraying continuing

Posted on November 19, 2015. Tags: dengue fever, hccd, hdoh

Aedes aegypti mosquito

Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus mosquito)

The State Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of 10Â a.m.Â today (Nov 19) the Department of Health has reported 79 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 68 residents and 11 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 may be conducting spraying at various locations in the Kona, Hilo, Puna and Kau areas today. In addition, the Department of Health with support from the County of Hawaii and the Department of Education will be conducting preventive spraying or treating of areas around the following school campuses this weekend:

Konawaena High, Middle and Elementary Schools
Honaunau School
Hookena School
Hilo High School
Hilo Intermediate School
Waiakea Intermediate and Elementary Schools

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 possible elimination of Dengue is to minimize or prevent the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito 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.

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., Everyoneâ€™s help and assistance with this outbreak is much needed and appreciated.

Confirmed Dengue Fever Cases as of November 19, 2015
Hawaii Island Residents	68
Visitors	11
Confirmed cases, TOTAL	79

Of the confirmed cases, 68 are Hawaii residents and 11 are visitors.
59 cases have been adults; Twenty have been children (less than 18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 â€“ 11/12/15.

As of today, a total of 120 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.

Map released Wednesday (Nov 18) by the Hawaii State Department of Health.

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.