HILO — The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island grew by six Tuesday, totaling 33 in all.
An online update on the state Department of Health website reported 25 cases among Hawaii Island residents and eight among visitors, including one resident of East Oahu. Onset of the illnesses, which were found in 29 adults and four children, ranged between Sept. 11 and Nov. 2.
Since the outbreak was first reported by state health officials on Oct. 27, blood tests have been sent to the mainland to verify presence of the dengue virus, with final confirmation taking about a week. However, a new state lab is expected to cut that wait to one day, officials say.
Tuesday’s update came a day after the state’s announcement of its “Fight the Bite!” awareness campaign, aimed at preventing the spread of the mosquito-borne virus.
Stopping the spread of dengue on Hawaii Island and throughout the state hangs on residents’ limiting their exposure to mosquitoes, which could then reinfect other people, according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park. So the state has doubled down on its efforts to spread the word on how to limit the potential for mosquitoes to breed in standing water, as well as people preventing themselves from becoming a snack for the infected insects.
But some residents say they still find it difficult to know what to do or how to react if they think they have been exposed.
In a post submitted Monday on Reddit.com — an entertainment, social networking, and news website where registered community members can submit content — one Big Island resident described experiencing the symptoms of dengue fever and planning to get tested for the disease. The poster, known as “moonpurr,” said it was disappointing after having taken precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
“My family and I are coffee farmers and spend most of our days outdoors,” she wrote. “Ever since the dengue fever outbreak we’ve been very diligent about getting rid of any standing water, covering ourselves with pants and long sleeved shirts, and wearing mosquito spray from dawn till dusk.
Despite taking proper mosquito prevention measures, the Reddit reader described developing bad headaches, a fever, sore back and muscles, and later a bad rash, all of which occurred at different times.
“So I’m thinking maybe I have dengue fever?” moonpurr wrote.
Moonpurr, who spoke with the Hawaii Tribune-Herald on Tuesday but didn’t want to give her real name, detailed making multiple calls to the Department of Health, her doctor’s office, and a hospital over the weekend trying to find out what to do, but having received little guidance.
“I still haven’t gotten a call back from the Hawaii County Department of Health office,” she said Tuesday afternoon.
Indeed, there appeared on Tuesday to be some confusion among county and state officials regarding who handles specific issues.
In an emailed response to questions, the state Department of Health said people who believe they are infected and currently experiencing symptoms should see a health care provider or visit a community health center to be evaluated. Those who think they previously had the disease but are no longer experiencing symptoms may call the state’s disease reporting line at (808) 586-4586.
Meanwhile, people with specific issues related to mosquitoes around their property or elsewhere in their community may call their respective District Health Office, the email stated. However, a woman who answered the phone at the Hilo district office on Tuesday afternoon said that all calls regarding dengue are routed to the state office in Honolulu.