HAWAII ISLAND – The new director of Hawaii County Civil Defense has delivered his first audio alert message, and its about dengue fever.

Ed Teixeira, who took over as the interim civil defense administrator on May 16, reported that the State Department of Health has identified a single imported case of dengue on Hawaii Island. Teixeira said vector control crews have treated the person’s residence and adjacent properties today.

“This is a single imported case,” Teixeira emphasized. “There is no evidence to indicate a local transmission has occurred. There have been no reported dengue cases attributed to local transmission since March. Imported cases occur from time to time and remind all of us to always be vigilant and fight the bite.”

Ed Teixeira speaks in Hilo, photo taken earlier this year.

“As the summer approaches and more travel is anticipated,” Teixeira’s message states, “the public is reminded that the most effective method to reduce the spread of dengue or other mosquito borne illnesses 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. If feeling ill and unsure if you may have dengue, remain indoors to avoid getting bitten and infecting mosquitoes and contact your health care provider.”

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