Hawaii Tourism Authority issues dengue fever update

HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Hawaii Tourism Authority is monitoring the confirmed cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island.

HONOLULU, Hawaii – The Hawaii Tourism Authority is monitoring the confirmed cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island. We are working with the State Department of Health (DOH) and our marketing contractors to keep visitors to Hawaii Island informed of the situation.

DOH has information on its website with tips on how to protect yourself, including fact sheets, FAQs, letter to visitors and residents, and other information. The DOH has also launched a public awareness campaign called “Fight the Bite” and has provided collateral for download that can be shared with guests.

As a precaution, we recommend that visitors familiarize themselves with information on DOH’s website prior to arriving in the state and encourage our stakeholders on Hawaii Island to share this information with their visitors and guests.

We will continue to work with industry stakeholders and our global marketing contractors to ensure that visitors to Hawaii know that it is safe to travel to the Hawaiian Islands and what precautions should be taken if they are planning to visit areas where cases have been found.

Mosquito Precautions Advised for Residents and Visitors of Hawaii Island

Dear Hawaii Island Residents and Visitors,

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has recently confirmed the presence of Dengue fever on Hawaii Island. Dengue fever is caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes which bite during the daytime. Symptoms of dengue typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and often include high fever, rash on the arms and legs, body aches, and headache. Dengue is not transmitted person to person.

Mosquito control efforts are currently underway in the affected areas across the island and our investigation is proceeding. DOH is recommending that all residents and travelers on the Big Island take measure to avoid mosquito bites, including:

– Applying effective mosquito repellants on exposed skin and clothing when mosquito exposure in unavoidable.

– Wearing long sleeved shirts and pants to limit exposure to mosquitoes.

– Limiting the amount of time spent in places where there may be many mosquitoes, such as stream beds, camp sites and areas with heavy vegetation.

– Using indoor insecticides if mosquitoes are present in your accommodations.

Reducing mosquitoes around your home is another strategy the DOH is recommending. The following actions may help in reducing the amount of mosquitoes at your place of residence:

– Eliminate standing water (puddles, buckets, cans, tires, etc.)

– Fix leaky outdoor faucets

– Routinely clean your gutters

– Repair screens and jalousie windows

– Treat Bromeliads (or other plants that hold water) – flush weekly or spray with soapy water or chemical treatments from garden store

Dial Aloha United Way 2-1-1 or access http://health.hawaii.gov/docd/ for more information.

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Linda Hohnholz

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