“This case is not associated with the Hawaii island investigation”.
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State health officials have confirmed four more cases of dengue fever on the Big Island. This is the first locally transmitted outbreak of the viral illness on the Big Island and the first outbreak in the state since five people were infected on the island of Oahu in 2011. All of the patients have recovered or are recovering.
Dengue usually occurs in tropical Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.
Although spraying or treating of areas is ongoing, the most effective method of reducing the spread and possibly eliminating Dengue is to minimize or prevent the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“Unfortunately, sometimes we have a situation where we’re sort of behind the eight ball, frankly, which happened here”, said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist. The rash typically appears on the hands, arms, legs and feet three to four days after the fever begins.
When diagnosed properly, dengue is successfully treated and the death rate is only 1%. Treatment with ibuprofen can lead to complications, mainly causing bleeding, which is a complication of severe illness from the virus.
On Monday, the case count was at 27, causing the island and state to take a look at preventive measures and procedures. Both types of mosquitoes are found in Hawaii but they rarely have outbreaks. This includes the addition of two more pediatric dengue cases. So the state has doubled down on its efforts to spread the word on how to limit the potential for mosquitoes to breed in standing water, as well as people preventing themselves from becoming a snack for the infected insects. In the previous week, over 50 confirmed cases of the infection reached Islamabad hospitals for treatment. Use mosquito repellents containing 20-30 percent DEET and wear long sleeves and trousers in areas where mosquito-borne disease is a concern. Permethrin is recommended on clothing. However, a new state lab is expected to cut that wait to one day, officials say.
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The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports (http://bit.ly/1Pm1aBq ) the state Department of Health had reported 23 cases as of Friday.
