Dengue Fever Confirmed in Hawaii
UPDATED 3/24/11 4:55 p.m.
The Hawaii State Department of Health issued a warning about new cases of dengue fever on Oahu. Health officials said in a statement that four adults have recovered from what officials believe was dengue fever. Two of the cases were confirmed.
“The 4 cases of assumed dengue fever are in a community in Pearl City, Oahu,” wrote Gary Gill, the state’s deputy director for environmental health, in an email to Civil Beat.
The department said the cases all appear to be related and the infected adults were bitten near their homes.
鈥淭he Department of Health immediately began precautionary measures by conducting additional testing, surveying and developing a mosquito control plan for the specific areas where these four individuals were likely infected,鈥 said Interim Health Director Loretta Fuddy in a statement issued to the press.聽 鈥淲e need the public鈥檚 help to clean up mosquito breeding areas throughout Oahu by emptying all standing water, and checking gutters and other areas that collect water.鈥
The Health Department sent out a medical alert to doctors on Oahu. Officials are advising residents and visitors to:
- Use insect repellant
- Repair screens to keep mosquitos out of homes
- Wear clothes that cover the skin
Symptoms of the viral disease include:
- High fever
- Severe headaches
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
Not all infected people show symptoms. Read from the Hawaii Department of Health.
