Hawaii confronts dengue outbreak as 33 are infected

By Liam Stack, New York Times News Service

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 | 11:08 p.m.

Health officials in Hawaii have confirmed at least 33 cases of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne tropical illness not usually found there, and warned that the entire Big Island is at risk for its spread.

Cases have been confirmed in towns across the Big Island, also known as Hawaii, with almost two dozen found in the western area of Captain Cook. Officials said they were working to identify all possible cases of the disease and were studying its transmission in the hope of keeping it from spreading to the rest of the island chain.

“The mosquitoes that are capable of spreading dengue fever are present statewide,” the state Department of Health said in a statement. It warned residents and visitors that “it is a good idea to avoid mosquitoes and protect yourself from mosquito bites.”

Dengue can cause fever, headaches and pain in the eyes, joints and muscles. It is spread by mosquitoes that bite during the daytime, officials said, and is usually found in tropical areas of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, but it is relatively rare in the United States.

The current cluster of cases is the first time that Hawaii has seen an outbreak of locally acquired dengue since 2011, the authorities said. Of the confirmed cases, 25 are residents of Hawaii and eight are tourists. Four of those who have contracted it are children.

In a letter sent to residents and visitors of the Big Island, the Health Department urged them to get rid of standing water or leaky faucets near their homes that might attract mosquitoes, in addition to covering up and wearing insect repellent.