HAWAII ISLAND – The Department of Health will be conducting spraying for mosquitoes at various locations in the Naalehu area today, civil defense reports. The action is part of the effort to “Fight The Bite” in response to the dengue fever outbreak on Hawaii Island. Following that there will be a Public Information Meetings at the Naalehu Community Center starting at 6 p.m.

Hawaii County Civil Defense issued a Dengue Fever information update today at 10:45 a.m.

Dengue Fever information update

The State Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of 12:00 noon yesterday the Department of Health has reported 27 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 19 residents and 8 visitors and across multiple areas of the island. An update of the number of cases will be made later today.

Dengue fever is a virus that is transmitted or spread by infected mosquitoes and is not transmitted directly from person to person. Dengue Fever is not endemic or common to Hawaii and the source or origin of this outbreak is likely due to an introduction of the virus by a person who may have contracted the virus while in another area of the world and who became infectious while in Hawaii.

Because the only mode or method of transmission is through mosquito bites there are actions being taken to reduce the risks and include the spraying or treating of areas of high mosquito presence that are also areas of possible contact with infected people. This includes areas around residents of confirmed cases. The Department of Health will be conducting spraying at various locations in the Naalehu area today.

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. Wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use of mosquito repellant and avoiding activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest. In addition, persons feeling ill and having a fever should remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes.

Public Information Meetings will be held at the following locations:

Tonight Tuesday November 10th at the Naalehu Community Center

Thursday November 12th at the Konawaena High Cafeteria

Friday November 13th at the Honokaa High Cafeteria

Monday November 16th at the Hilo High Cafeteria

Tuesday November 17th at the Keaau High Cafeteria

All meetings will begin at 6:00 PM each evening and the community is encouraged to attend.

For additional information on Dengue Fever and preventing the spread of Dengue Fever, go to health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at 974-4000, extension 68362.

Everyone’s help and assistance with this outbreak is much needed and appreciated.