The state Department of Health on Monday confirmed its second imported case of Zika virus.
The infected Kauai resident has a history of traveling to Latin America and might still be infectious, according to a DOH news release. The department advised the individual to stay indoors and stay protected from mosquitoes, the release said, and officials are not sharing any more details about the infected person because of privacy reasons.
The DOH confirmed its first Zika case of 2016 earlier this month. In 2015, the DOH reported four cases of imported Zika in Hawaii.
DOH Director Virginia Pressler said in the release the department is bracing for “an increase in imported cases” as the virus spreads worldwide.
Meanwhile, dengue fever cases on Hawaii Island have gradually dropped off since peaking in November. A DOH map last week showed no areas of high or moderate risk on the island.
On Friday, however, a new case of dengue fever was reported on the leeward side of the island, bringing the total to 262. Of those, 236 cases were residents and 26 were visitors.
Keith Kawaoka, the DOH’s deputy director of Environmental Health, said the dengue outbreak on the Big Island has helped prepare the department for Zika.
Vector Control staff are “aware of the protocol,” he said, and are familiar with the proper way to respond. He advises Hawaii Island residents to follow similar precautions for Zika as dengue.
“We’re certainly not wanting the public to panic,” Kawaoka said. “But they should be concerned, just like with dengue, because it’s another disease of vector disease origin … If they feel they have symptoms of these diseases, they should see their health care provider right away.”
People should pay particular attention to their surroundings, Kawaoka said, and take preventative steps such as getting rid of standing water around homes, using repellent and wearing protective clothing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises pregnant women to refrain from visiting areas with Zika.
A Vector Control team will visit the home of the person most recently infected with Zika to determine if treating the area is necessary.
Email Kirsten Johnson at kjohnson@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
