Dengue fever on Kaua’i. There is now one officially confirmed case of dengue fever on Kaua’i. Jo Manea, state Department of Health epidemiology specialist, said Monday that one case in Kalaheo had been officially confirmed by the national Centers for
Dengue fever on Kaua’i.
There is now one officially confirmed case of dengue fever on Kaua’i.
Jo Manea, state Department of Health epidemiology specialist, said Monday that one case in Kalaheo had been officially confirmed by the national Centers for Disease Control.
But that case didn’t originate here. The sufferer, a man, “contracted the disease on Maui,” Manea said.
Manea wouldn’t comment when asked if state officials are spraying for dengue-carrying mosquitos in Princeville.
“There are lots of suspicious cases of dengue fever all over the island. And when we think the cases are highly suspicious, we will send our crews out to spray. We are spraying all over the island,” Manea said.
“This isn’t complicated,” she added, noting that islanders should spray around their homes for mosquitos “and wear repellent.”
The Albopictus mosquito, responsible for transmitting dengue fever, is active in the daytime and can live for two to three months.
There are four strains of dengue fever. Theoretically at least, a person can suffer through dengue fever four times in a lifetime.
Headaches, chills and fever are symptoms which appear in 20 to 30 percent of dengue cases, officials said. Medical experts recommend lots of fluids, bed rest and medication that does not include aspirin.
Young children and the elderly are most at risk.
The last serious outbreak of dengue fever in Hawai’i was in 1943. Out of 1,420 confirmed sufferers, three deaths were reported.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
