Editorial
Dengue fever battle must involve each of us
Speed is of the essence as Hawai'i tries to combat the spreading outbreak of dengue fever in the Islands.
The state has taken one important step in its fight against the disease by moving quickly on plans to open its own dengue fever laboratory by the end of this month. Once the state Health Department has its own lab, blood samples from suspected cases won't have to be sent to Puerto Rico for testing, which has meant a one- to two-week delay in results.
And with a faster turnaround time on testing, vector control officials can get to neighborhoods more quickly.
The state also should look seriously at getting an exemption for very limited use of the pesticide DDT, once a major weapon in the fight against mosquitoes. Its use was banned by the federal government in the early 1970s because of the damaging effects of its long-term use on the environment.
No one wants to see a return to the days of indiscriminate use of DDT. But what is needed to get this outbreak under control once and for all is a quick hit of something that is proven to work against mosquitoes. The state may wish to seek an exemption for a limited use of DDT where the outbreak is severe. If we can get at the source areas, we should be better able to control the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
The importation of dengue fever was out of anyone's control here. There is no vaccine, and with the disease's prevalence in Asia and Pacific islands, it was only a matter of time before travelers would inadvertently bring it here.
Now that it is here, it is critical the state and counties do all they can to halt its spread. Opening our own lab instead of shipping blood tests thousands of miles away is a crucial part of the solution, as is judicious use of powerful insecticides.
But this is more than a government problem. Each of us can do our part, as well.
Take part in organized community cleanups if you can. Make sure there is no standing water around your home and no clutter that can collect water. Help your neighbors who may have difficulty lifting or moving heavy objects. Report dumped items and abandoned cars. In the end, we can all be part of the solution.
