3:15 p.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 1 p.m. Wednesday (Dec 16), the Department of Health had reported 157 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 140 residents and 17 visitors. An increase of four new cases since yesterday.
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 is conducting spraying in various areas of South Kona, Hilo and Hamakua today.
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.
| Confirmed Dengue Fever Cases as of December 16, 2015 | |
|---|---|
| Hawaii Island Residents | 140 |
| Visitors | 17 |
| Confirmed cases, TOTAL | 157 |
Of the confirmed cases, 140 are Hawaii residents and 17 are visitors with 123 cases adults; 34 have been children (less than 18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 – 12/9/15.
As of Wednesday (Dec 16), a total of 615 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.
- 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€)
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/
Schematic depiction of the symptoms of dengue fever
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