9:30 a.m. Saturday (March 19) Hawaii County Civil Defense Dengue Fever audio update

The response to the ongoing Dengue Fever outbreak continues. As of 1 p.m. Friday (March 18) the State Department of Health had reported one new confirmed case of dengue fever. This new confirmed case helps to remind everyone that as previously stated, this outbreak remains active and is not anticipated to be considered over anytime in the near future. Therefore we are asking for everyone’s help to continue to Fight the Bite. This new confirmed case brings the total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the outbreak to 262. These cases include 236 residents and 26 visitors.

To prevent mosquito bites, wear clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellent on skin that cannot be covered, and avoid areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.

If you suspect you may have dengue, remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes, and contact a health care provider. Community health centers are working with the Department of Health to see patients who suspect they may have dengue regardless of ability to pay.

Help to reduce potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses.

Waipio Valley reopens Saturday (March 19)

As there have been no new confirmed cases associated with the Waipio Valley area since February 1st and with the actions taken to include numerous spraying and treatments, County and Department of Health Officials have reopened the access to the valley for normal use effective 8 a.m. Saturday (March 19). Everyone is reminded that ensuring the safe and enjoyable use of recreation areas depends on everyone’s help and cooperation. Please use repellent while visiting and enjoying the valley and lookout and help to keep it clean. If feeling ill, avoid visiting parks and public areas and remain home to prevent transmission of any communicable diseases.

Everyone’s help and assistance with this outbreak is much needed and appreciated. Please continue to fight the bite and lets all do our part to help end this outbreak.

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 March 19, 2016: Since the last update, HDOH has identified one new case of dengue fever. Currently there are no known potentially infectious individuals to mosquitoes. Potentially infectious individuals 0 Cases no longer infectious 262 Illness onset 9/11/15 to 3/4/16 Past and present confirmed cases (Cumulative TOTAL) 262

Of the confirmed cases, 236 are Hawaii Island residents and 26 are visitors. 216 cases have been adults; 46 have been children (less than 18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 – 3/4/16.

As of Friday (March 18), a total of 1498 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.

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 health.hawaii.gov/docd/updates…

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