DOH confirms two cases of dengue fever on Big Island

The state Department of Health on Thursday confirmed two cases of dengue fever on the Big Island. Officials continue to investigate four other probable cases.

Further testing and confirmation at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is pending, officials said. The department sent out a medical advisory to Hawaii County clinicians earlier Thursday asking that suspected dengue fever cases be reported to the DOH.

“Although dengue is not endemic to Hawaii, we do have the mosquito species capable of transmitting the disease,” said state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park in a prepared statement. “It’s likely an infected traveler infected the local mosquito population, which led to this cluster, so we want the public to be aware of this mosquito-borne disease and the steps they can take to prevent infection.”

Hawaii District Health Officer Aaron Ueno said local environmental health assessments had not found any significant mosquito activity in the affected area. The department is conduction mosquito prevention activities, such as spraying with consent of property owners, as a precautionary measure.

Symptoms of dengue fever typically begin within a week after a bite by an infected mosquito and can include fever, joint or muscle pains, headache or pain behind the eyes, and rash. Persons who have the above symptoms should contact their health care provider and avoid further exposure to mosquitoes, which is also the best means of prevention.

Dengue virus is most often transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Travelers to areas with infected mosquitoes where dengue fever is endemic are at the highest risk of acquiring the disease. Mosquitoes breed in areas of standing water (such as planters, old tires and pet water bowls). Use mosquito repellents containing 20 to 30 percent DEET and wear long sleeves and pants in areas where mosquito-borne disease is a concern.