As of 1 p.m. Wednesday (Feb 24) the Department of Health reported one new confirmed case of Dengue Fever. The total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the outbreak rises to 260. These cases include 235 residents and 25 visitors. Currently there are no potentially infectious individuals.
Dengue Fever 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.
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.
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 February 24, 2016: Since the last update, HDOH has identified 1 new cases of dengue fever. Currently, as many as 0 of the confirmed cases to date are potentially infectious to mosquitoes. All others are no longer infectious. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Potentially infectious individuals | 0 | |
| Cases no longer infectious | 260 | Illness onset 9/11/15 to 2/13/16 |
| Past and present confirmed cases (Cumulative TOTAL) | 260 | |
Of the confirmed cases, 235 are Hawaii Island residents and 25 are visitors. 214 cases have been adults; 46 have been children (less than 18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 – 2/13/16.
As of Wednesday (Feb 24), a total of 1313 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria
The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) is investigating a cluster of locally-acquired cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Dengue is not endemic to 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. The Big Island and the rest of Hawaii remain safe destinations for visitors and residents.
- 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
- NPR:Â What’s The Best Way To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting?
- 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/
Schematic depiction of the symptoms of dengue fever
DLNR closes Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Valley campground after Waipio Valley is closed as Dengue Fever precaution
HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed the Muliwai hiking trail on the far cliff side of Waipio Valley and its Waimanu Valley campground, following the closure of Waipio valley access road on Wednesday to residents only by Hawaii County officials following confirmation of two cases of dengue in Waipio residents. Muliwai trail and Waimanu Valley can only be accessed via Waipio valley. Campers with existing permits will be contacted by DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife. No new permits will be issued until further notice.
As a precaution to prevent the spread of dengue fever, the Waipio Valley Access Road and valley area was been closed to all traffic yesterday afternoon. Access will be limited to valley residents only. This restricted access will remain closed for 8-12 weeks after no new cases are diagnosed in the area by health officials.
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 215 confirmed cases, 2 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.
For further information about the January 13, 2016 Waipio closure go to the Hawaii County Civil Defense website http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts
For additional information on dengue and preventing the spread, 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.
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