The state Department
of Health reported Monday that 112 people have been infected on
Hawaii's Big Island since Sept. 11, including 14 visitors to the Aloha
State.
There have been no cases of dengue fever so far on Oahu, Maui or Kauai,
said Virginia Pressler, director of the state Department of Health.
"Although there is no dengue on Oahu, Kauai and Maui, we all feel for
our brothers and sisters," Pressler said. "My family all lives on Hawaii
Island. We are doing everything we can collectively."
Officials asked people throughout the state to remove standing water
where mosquitoes breed and dump excess water out of potted plants or
toys in the yard. Taking these precautions could help reduce the chances
of the virus spreading to other islands, they said.
Stan Oka, urban forestry administrator for the Honolulu Department of
Parks and Recreation, tipped a potted ti plant to demonstrate how people
should remove standing water from around their homes. He suggested
spraying large, leafy plants with soapy water, especially plants rooted
in the ground or large potted plants that were too heavy to tip.
"It will form a barrier where mosquitoes can't breed," Oka said of the soapy spray.
Residents were asked to repair holes in their screens and keep doors
closed to limit interactions with mosquitoes. Officials recommend
wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants and using bug spray to prevent
mosquito bites.
They also cautioned residents against setting bulky garbage items out on
the curbs early or allowing water to pool in garbage cans.
Those capturing rainfall in barrels were asked to keep a fine mesh screen over their water supplies.
The outbreak hasn't affected Hawaii tourism, officials said.
The virus is spread through mosquito bites. Those infected with dengue
fever on Hawaii Island have largely recovered, Pressler said.
"The most important thing they can do is to prevent themselves from
being bitten by mosquitoes, because that is in fact how this disease is
passed on," she said.
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