UPDATE (3:30 p.m.) – As of 1 p.m. Saturday, the Hawaii Department of Health reports the number of confirmed cases of locally-acquired dengue fever on Hawaii Island has risen to 49. Of the confirmed cases, 39 are Hawaii residents and 10 are visitors. The state says 39 cases have been adults; ten have been children. Onset of illness has ranged between Sept. 11 to November 7, 2015.

HAWAII ISLAND – Government response to the mosquito-borne dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii Island continues today. The Department of Health will be conducting spraying at various locations in the areas of Napoopoo, Honaunau, Captain Cook, Ookala, Papaaloa, Keaau, and Mountain View, reports Hawaii County Civil Defense.

Dengue Fever information
Saturday, November 14th at 9:30 a.m.

The State Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of 12:00 noon yesterday the Department of Health has reported 38 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 30 residents and 8 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 will be conducting spraying at various locations in the areas of Napoopoo, Honaunau, Capt. Cook, Ookala, Papaaloa, Keaau, and Mt. View.

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.

Public Information Meetings on Dengue Fever will be held at the following locations:

Monday November 16th at the Hilo High Cafeteria

Tuesday November 17th at the Keaau High Cafeteria

All meetings will begin at 6:00 PM each evening and the community is encouraged to attend.

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.

SOURCE: Hawaii Dept. of Health website

FULL VIDEO: Dengue Fever Meeting Held In Naalehu (Nov. 10)

FACT SHEET

What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Dengue cannot be spread directly from person to person. Symptoms typically begin in seven days and include high fever, headache, nausea, muscle aches, bone and joint pain and a red rash. There are no existing vaccines to prevent the illness or any specific treatment for dengue fever, however bed rest and acetaminophen are recommended.

Dengue Fever in Hawaii
Dengue fever is typically not endemic or common in Hawaii, though it can be transmitted to mosquitoes that have bitten infected travelers coming from endemic areas, including Puerto Rico, Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Currently, the areas of Hookena and Honaunau on the island of Hawaii have been identified as areas of concern for dengue transmission, although the entire island is considered to be at risk. While the current risk of dengue spreading to other islands is low, all islands should take measures to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

Help us Fight the Bite!
The Hawaii State Department of Health has launched “Fight the Bite,” a comprehensive public education campaign to inform the public and urge their help in keeping Hawaii dengue-free.

Although spraying or treating of areas by DOH’s Vector Control is ongoing, the most effective method of reducing the spread — and ultimately eliminating dengue — is to minimize, or prevent, being bitten by an infected mosquito.

To prevent catching or spreading dengue, apply mosquito repellant, wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants, and avoid areas with high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest. Removing areas where mosquitoes can lay eggs is also key. Clear all areas with standing water and consider spraying potential areas with heavy mosquito populations with insecticides. If you are ill and worried that you might have dengue fever, contact your healthcare provider.

More Information
Website: http://health.hawaii.gov/
Phone: Aloha United Way 2-1-1
Fight the Bite Flyer: http://bit.ly/fightthebiteflyer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDOH
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HIgov_Health
Social media hashtag: #FightTheBite
Clinician Information: http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/updates-and-resources-for-clinicians/.
Suspected Cases: Contact DOH, Disease Outbreak Control Division at 808-586-4586

LATEST NEWS: The Hawaii Island dengue fever outbreak