No new cases of dengue fever were confirmed Tuesday in Hawaii Island’s ongoing outbreak, but health officials warned that the disease continues to be a threat.
The update was something of a rarity, after a few weeks of daily increases as state Department of Health workers continue to test blood samples at the only lab in Hawaii capable of identifying the difficult-to-pin-down mosquito-borne pathogen.
So far, 139 cases have been identified, while 452 potential cases have been ruled out. Among the confirmed cases, the onset of dengue symptoms ranges from Sept. 11-Nov. 30.
“Of course, every day we hope and we keep our fingers and toes crossed that it’s the end of the outbreak,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park. “Even if cases don’t move up, we can’t let up on the prevention of mosquitoes.”
So far, she said, there has been no indication the outbreak is letting up. Cases continue to surface in the South Kona area, where dengue first appeared to be a threat, as well as in East Hawaii.
As the outbreak continues, however, state health officials are gaining a clearer picture of which areas of the island continue to propagate the mosquito-borne virus.
“From the weekly maps, you can see that the areas identified are starting to shrink in specific areas. That’s because we’re now getting more and more data on those areas,” Park said.
A new map provided Tuesday by Hawaii County Civil Defense showed the relative locations of all confirmed cases, as well as suspect cases and cases that have been tested and confirmed negative. It shows a long swath of red pins running along the Kona Coast, as well as a growing number of red pins in East Hawaii, centered primarily in the Hilo and Pahoa areas.
Civil Defense continues to oversee the multi-agency effort to address the outbreak through insecticide spraying, and in spreading information and prevention techniques.
As of Monday evening, 251 mosquito-abatement sprayings had been conducted around the island at areas of potential infection.
On Tuesday, the state and the county announced that so far donations valued at more than $23,000 had been provided to purchase mosquito repellent products to aid in efforts to fight the spread of the disease.
A donation from Longs Drugs of more than 2,400 cans of spray and 4,800 individually wrapped towelettes from Foodland were distributed to at-risk populations on Hawaii Island, including people with housing insecurity and others for whom purchasing repellent is a challenge.
Recently, the Hawaii Island United Way provided more than $6,000 to buy mosquito nets for people who couldn’t afford or access them, said President and Chief Professional Officer Bettye Williams.
The money came from a donation from Bank of Hawaii to help in the event of a disaster, she said.
Between 100 and 150 nets will be distributed by Civil Defense and Hope Services Hawaii, she added.
“Hawaii Island United Way wants to help with any kind of community disaster. Whether it’s in the form of a tropical storm or dengue fever, it’s still a community disaster,” Williams said. “… We all have to play a part in trying to mitigate the dangers … particularly for those that are less fortunate or don’t have a lot of resources or proper housing. It’s a vulnerable time.”
For more information, health.hawaii.gov/docd/dengue-outbreak-2015/.
Email Colin M. Stewart at cstewart@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
