Dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii Island widens

As of 12 noon Tuesday (Nov 10) the Department of Health has reported 33 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island.

“In order to keep Hawaii safe and dengue-free, we are asking the community for their help in following the easy tips and suggestions shared through our campaign and joining us as together we ‘Fight the Bite, ‘” Dr. Virginia Pressler, director of the Hawaii State Department of Health, said in announcing the campaign.

The state Department of Health confirmed six more cases of the mosquito-borne disease Tuesday, bringing the total number of recent cases acquired on the island to 33.

All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. each evening and the community is encouraged to attend.

The best protection against dengue is to prevent mosquito bites.

Dengue is not endemic to Hawai’i- and is spread through mosquito bites.

“Unfortunately, sometimes we have a situation where we’re sort of behind the eight ball, frankly, which happened here”, said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist.

Department officials say crews continue to routinely monitor for cases of imported dengue infection on all islands and has Vector Control units performing mosquito site assessments and abatement as needed. There’s no cure for dengue fever. Persons who have the above symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and avoid further exposure to mosquitoes, which is also the best means of prevention.

Seqirus is derived from the phrase “securing health for all of us”, the company said.

Dengue is transmitted to humans when they are bit by infected mosquitoes.

“The state is doing enough right now”. “I don’t think there’s anything to be super alarmed about yet but ask me again in a week, because I want to make sure that the cases start to decrease rather than increase”. The DOH recommends applying mosquito repellent containing 20 to 30 percent DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers, using indoor insecticides and reducing the amount of mosquitoes on your property by clearing areas with standing water.

While there are no reports of cases on other islands, doctors at Queen’s Medical Center, say they are keeping an eye out.

“It definitely can have an impact”, said Dom Stauber with Hawaii Outdoor Guides.