The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island grew from two to 10 over the weekend.
The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island grew from two to 10 over the weekend.
Since the presence of the disease on the Big Isle was first reported by the state Department of Health last week, officials have been reluctant to reveal where the cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been reported, saying that they have been working to narrow down where the disease, which is not endemic to Hawaii, originated. But on Monday, State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said that a significant portion of cases had been reported in the Hookena and Honaunau areas of West Hawaii.
“We’re looking at cases with onset (of symptoms) in mid-September through last week,” she said. “Clearly there’s been some dengue activity ongoing, you all have some issues with mosquitoes.”
The sickness has struck residents and visitors to the island alike, including residents who live on both sides of the island, Park said.
“At this point, we’re seeing it particularly in areas south of Kona, in Hookena and Honaunau. But it’s not just at one point or area. … Unfortunately, those are not the only areas. Your entire island is at risk,” she said.
She added that state Vector Control employees with Environmental Protection and Health Services now have their work cut out for them as they work to impact mosquito populations on the Big Island by spraying and taking preventative measures to rid areas of standing water, where mosquitoes breed.
“To quote one of my investigators, this is a time for everyone on the Big Island to come together to make sure everyone is being safe,” Park said. “They need to practice appropriate precautions, and prevent mosquitoes from breeding and multiplying. If you see an abandoned tire on the side of the road, do the Good Samaritan thing and upend it, so you don’t encourage mosquitoes to breed.”
Area residents are also asked to contact the Department of Health if they see large areas of standing water which they cannot address themselves.
“Just let us know, so we can be aware of it,” she said.
Residents should also be careful about flowers and plants in their yards which might serve as breeding grounds.
Plants like bromeliads, which tend to have waxy leaves, can hold standing water, providing ideal breeding opportunities for mosquitoes, she said.
“They can hold a lot of water in there … and that’s not such a good thing to have,” Park said.
Also, people spending a lot of time outdoors in mosquito-infested areas should wear repellent containing DEET.
As for how long the outbreak could last, Park said that remains up in the air. Symptoms of the dengue fever include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain as well as a skin rash.
“I’m certainly hoping it doesn’t keep burning forever,” she said. “The Maui outbreak (of 2001) went on for five months. The Oahu one (in 2011) fizzled and died within a month. At this point, the likelihood is that there are multiple hotspots on the Big Island.”
But, she said, if members of the public will work together to clear out mosquito populations, report cases to the Department of Health, and take precautions like wearing repellent and long sleeves and long pants, they can keep the disease from getting out of control.
“Together, I think we can make certain this outbreak dies out,” Park said.
Email Colin M. Stewart at cstewart@hawaiitribune-herald.com.