Maui dengue fever outbreak worse than feared
| • | What you can do to keep safe |
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
The outbreak of dengue fever on Maui is more serious than health officials originally believed, and they are urging residents to take precautions to prevent the further spread of the disease.
There have been 19 confirmed cases of dengue fever, primarily in Hana, but the Health Department says more than 100 cases are pending laboratory tests. The virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, has spread out of the remote East Maui areas of Hana, Nahiku and Hamoa, to as far west as Ha'iku.
There also are 27 confirmed cases on O'ahu, Maui, Kaua'i and the Big Island, but there is no evidence that the virus is being transmitted on these islands, Health Department Director Bruce Anderson said. These illnesses were likely contracted in other countries, he said, while the Maui cases were spread among people who have not left the state.
With the disease occurring in Hawai'i on a scale not seen since World War II, Anderson said officials are "very concerned" that the outbreak may spread to the other islands, and acknowledged that it may take up to a year to reduce the mosquito population and control the spread of the virus.
Health officials are warning people entering Hana of the problem and are handing out mosquito repellent in the affected areas. The state has closed East Maui camping grounds, the botanical garden and other visitor areas. The road to Nahiku also is restricted to residents only.
"Clearly this is a problem that's spreading, and as we get word out about the problem, we're hearing about more and more cases every day," Anderson said.
To combat the problem, Anderson said the state has brought in consultants from the Centers for Disease Control and vector control teams from all islands. He encouraged residents to help eliminate mosquito breeding areas and use repellents when mosquito exposure is unavoidable.
He said the species of mosquito responsible for spreading dengue fever generally lives close to humans and within 200 feet of a home. Mosquitoes breed in any standing water, Anderson said.
Maui County officials and the state plan an aggressive solid waste pickup program to remove old tires and other items that serve as breeding grounds, he said.
"Through aggressive mosquito control we think we can get a handle on the problem in East Maui," Anderson said.
But, he said, "Maui is mosquito heaven. There is a large area where it's going to be very difficult to control all the mosquitoes. Our efforts are extensive. It's going to take vigilance on the part of everyone to make sure mosquito populations don't rebound."
He said there are no plans yet to use aerial insecticides.
Dengue fever is caused by a virus and is characterized by high fever, severe headache, eye pain, chills, body and joint pains, nausea and vomiting, and a rash. The illness, which cannot be transmitted by person-to-person contact, lasts for about a week.
The last major outbreak of dengue fever occurred following the end of World War II. Anderson said there were more than 1,200 cases reported and several deaths.
He said cases are reported every year in Hawai'i, but the virus has not been established until now.
"What's unusual about this case is the virus has gotten into the mosquito population and is now being transmitted to people who have no travel history," Anderson said.
Health officials believe the virus was brought to Maui by recent visitors to French Polynesia and the Samoas, where there were outbreaks of dengue fever this spring.
Anyone who has dengue fever symptoms is urged to see a doctor. Residents also are warned not to take aspirin to relieve symptoms because it may lead to several medical problems.
What you can do to keep safe
All residents are being asked to be responsible for mosquito control on their properties. The Department of Health offers these tips:
• Find sources of standing water and empty or remove them. Examples of where mosquitoes breed include roof gutters, plastic containers, buckets, used tires, flower pots and cans.
• Empty and clean pet watering containers at least once a week.
• Remove discarded bulky items that may collect water, including abandoned cars, boats and sheds.
• Empty and scour flower vases at least once a week.
• Check screen doors and windows, and repair them if there are holes or tears.
• Plants that collect water should be sprayed weekly with a garden insecticide.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to limit exposure to mosquitoes.
• Use indoor insecticides and repellents if mosquitoes are in the home.
• Apply effective repellents on exposed skin and clothing when mosquito exposure is unavoidable.
• If a home has a water catchment tank, be sure it is "mosquito proof."
• If appropriate, use air conditioners when indoors.
