Neighbor Island briefs

Advertiser Staff

Maui dengue fever cases rise to 41

The number of suspected cases of dengue fever in East Maui has risen to 41, the state Health Department reported yesterday.

While only four cases of dengue fever have been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of suspected cases of the mosquito-borne disease is up from 27 just a few days ago, said Health Department spokeswoman Janice Okubo.

Symptoms include sudden onset of fever, painful headaches, joint and muscle aches, and a rash that begins on the arms and legs three to four days after the onset of fever. There is no vaccine against dengue fever or treatment, except bed rest and over-the-counter pain medication.

Okubo said travelers to the region should take precautions by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using mosquito repellents and keeping doors and windows closed. The public should be extra cautious in the early morning and late afternoon, when the mosquito that transmits the disease is active, she said.

Waikoloa resort spills more sewage

WAIKOLOA, Hawai'i — A broken sewer pipe near 'Anaeho'omalu Bay in South Kohala led to the discharge of 100,000 gallons of raw sewage around 8 a.m. yesterday.

Robert Spetich, general manager of West Hawai'i Utility Co., which supplies water and sewer services to Waikoloa Beach Resort and Waikoloa Village, said the bay was closed for the second time this month to swimming, fishing and boating. He did not know when it would reopen.

The earlier sewer spill discharged 500,000 gallons of untreated effluent.

Hilo jail escapee captured

A Puna man who escaped from the Hilo jail Aug. 10 was captured this week in the Glenwood area of mauka Puna.

Police said Harry K.R. Harrison, 35, was arrested and charged with escape at 9:30 a.m. He was returned to the state jail, where he was awaiting trial on charges of kidnapping, terroristic threatening and contempt of court.

Job fair set today at Wailuku center

WAILUKU, Maui — A job fair scheduled before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks will be held as planned from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the Wailuku Community Center.

More than 40 employers are expected to take part in Job Safari 2001, sponsored by the Maui Job Service Employer Committee, the Workforce Development Division and the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. For more information, call (808) 984-2091.