Posted on: Tuesday, February 26, 2002

State intends to be dogged about dengue

Advertiser Staff

The number of dengue fever cases has dropped dramatically, but five months after the initial outbreak in Hawai'i the disease continues to linger on O'ahu and Maui.

That has health experts concerned enough that the state yesterday launched a new television public awareness campaign in an attempt to make sure the disease doesn't get out of hand.

One more case of dengue fever was confirmed yesterday in Hana, bringing the statewide total to 109.

Officials say reducing the mosquito population, as stressed at the peak of the fight against the disease, is still the key to beating it.

"Although the fire seems to be under control, the fact remains that there is a potential for dengue fever to flare up anywhere in the state where there are mosquitoes," said health director Bruce Anderson. "Dengue is common in many areas of the world and will likely be brought into our state from time to time. So the only way to prevent those introductions from establishing itself in our islands is to dramatically reduce our mosquito population."

Health officials continue to encourage residents to check around their homes for standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Removing water from places such as tires, boats, buckets, flower pots and clogged gutters is particularly important following rain.

Dengue prevention teams also continue to go door-to-door in Windward O'ahu, educating residents on mosquito control. Vector control crews have inspected more than 16,000 homes and more than 3,200 homes have been treated.

There are 80 confirmed cases of dengue fever on Maui; 25 on O'ahu; and four on Kaua'i.