Notice from the Hawaii State Department of Health There have been no outbreak-related dengue cases with onset in the 30 days since the end of the last infectious period. Although the Department of Health (DOH) will continue to carefully monitor mosquito-borne illnesses, further updates will not be forthcoming unless there is any kind of change.

Even in the absence of an outbreak, all suspect cases of dengue or other mosquito-borne disease (e.g., Zika or chikungunya) should be reported immediately to DOH, which will fully investigate them and refer them to vector control for follow-up.

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. To support home and business owners in cleaning and removing potential breeding areas, the County of Hawaii Department of Environmental Management will be extending its weekend transfer station hours for the entire month of April. All transfer stations island-wide will be opened on both Saturday and Sunday for the month of April from the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Normal transfer station hours will resume during the work week. In addition, the department will be conducting an additional Household Hazardous Waste collections at the follow locations:

Saturday April 30th at the Hilo Transfer Station

For more information on both transfer station hours and the household hazardous waste collection please go to the website at www.hawaiizerowaste.org

Everyone’s help and assistance with this outbreak is much needed and appreciated. Please continue to fight the bite.

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.

As of April 26, 2016: Since the last update, HDOH has identified no new cases of dengue fever. Currently there are no known potentially infectious individuals to mosquitoes. Potentially infectious individuals 0 Cases no longer infectious 264 Illness onset 9/11/15 to 3/17/16 Past and present confirmed cases (Cumulative TOTAL) 264

Of the confirmed cases, 238 are Hawaii Island residents and 26 are visitors. 218 cases have been adults; 46 have been children (less than 18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 – 3/17/16.

As of Tuesday (April 26), a total of 1643 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria

Even in the absence of an outbreak of dengue or other mosquito-borne disease, it is important for all Hawaii residents to continue to “fight the bite!” in order to prevent another outbreak.

Viruses that cause dengue, Zika, chikungunya, etc., are occasionally “imported” to the State of Hawaii by visitors or Hawaii residents returning from an affected area. It is crucial for everyone to remain vigilant by *regularly* eliminating mosquito breeding sites and using mosquito repellent and covering up exposed skin whenever outdoors, especially if mosquito activity is high.

If you experience symptoms of Zika, dengue, chikungunya, or other mosquito-borne diseases, please see a healthcare professional and avoid further contact with mosquitoes so you won’t infect other people.

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…

For additional information on dengue and preventing the spread, go to health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at (808) 974-6001.

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