Dengue fever cases rise by 2 in Hana

Advertiser Staff

The Department of Health has identified two new cases of dengue fever in Hana, Maui, bringing the statewide total to 84.

Since the mosquito-borne virus was detected in September, the state has confirmed 62 cases on Maui, 17 on O'ahu and five on Kaua'i.

Health officials are cautiously optimistic that the disease has been contained. The department has launched an aggressive mosquito-control program to reduce breeding areas.

The dengue virus is spread via the bite of Aedes mosquitoes; it cannot be spread directly from an infected person. So far Hawai'i's dengue strain has proved relatively mild, with no cases requiring hospitalization.

Victims typically suffer high fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash and pain behind the eyes.