dengue fever could be here to stay

[shockwave rider]

Someone I know who thinks they may have been one of the early cases called both the DOH and Kaiser about getting tested and got blown off, the DOH said they were not interested in old cases, and Kaiser said they would have to make an appointment with their Dr. to discuss getting a blood test.

[kalakoa]

http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news...eaches-101

Now that it's triple-digits, I'm sure the DOH will leap into action.

[Kapoho Joe]

This is a Dengue Fever information update for Wednesday November 25th at 3:00PM.
The State Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of 1:00 this afternoon the Department of Health has reported 101 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 88 residents and 13 visitors.
Dengue fever is a virus that is transmitted or spread by infected mosquitoes and not directly from person to person. Dengue Fever is not endemic or common to Hawaii. It was likely introduced by a person who contracted the virus in another area of the world and became infectious while in Hawaii.
Because dengue fever is only transmitted by mosquitoes, the Department of Health is spraying and treating areas with high mosquito presence and confirmed cases. The Department of Health is conducting spraying in various areas of South Kona and Hilo today.
Although spraying and treatment of areas is ongoing, the most effective method to reduce the spread and eliminate Dengue is to fight the bite. Minimize or prevent the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito by wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellant and avoid activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.
In addition, persons feeling ill and having a fever should remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes.
Community Information Meetings on the Dengue outbreak will be conducted at the following locations:
Friday November 27th at 6:00PM at the Ocean View Community Center
Monday November 30th at 6:00PM at the Waimea Middle School Cafeteria
Tuesday December 1st at 6:30PM at the Kohala High School Cafeteria
Thursday December 3rd at 6:30 at the Pahoa High School Cafeteria
The community is encouraged to attend these meetings to receive information on the ongoing outbreak.
For additional information on Dengue Fever and preventing the spread of Dengue Fever, go to health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at 974-6001., Everyone’s help and assistance with this outbreak is much needed and appreciate

[Amrita]

Interesting to me that in New Delhi 900 cases in February was considered to be a severe outbreak and New Delhi has a population of 16.3 million people. Here seems not a lot is being done by comparison. I think the free tire recycle is a joke and just atoken diversion to make us think something is being done. Get rid of standing water in Puna. That's even more of a joke. Good we have Papaya.

IANS, New Delhi, Modified: February 03, 2015 11:01 IST

Can papaya plant leaves cure dengue? There is no scientific answer to this question, but the use of papaya leaves has grown phenomenally in the capital in the past few weeks as the mosquito-borne disease sees a spurt, claiming at least five lives in the national capital. Over 900 cases have been reported here so far.

The leaves, which are said to increase dipping platelet counts, are a much sought after product these days in Delhi nurseries - so much so that many residents told IANS that papaya leaves have been disappearing from their localities.

[kalakoa]

Yes: over two months and 100 cases later, State DOH steps up to do what they should have been doing all along:

http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news...repellents

There. Just spend a little money protecting the people who fund the DOH with their taxes. Was that so hard?

[ericlp]

They should have been passing out 5 boxes of Mosquito coils, 5 cans of off and some sort of mosquito killer to every person in each subdivision.

But of course this should have happened months ago.

I am kinda amazed no one has sued the state over lack of action and stupidity. Maybe some rich tourist will get it and show Hawaii how to get something done?

It's unbelievably sad how this was handled.

[kalakoa]

Now up to 107 cases.

http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/news...ngue-fever

The outbreak raised enough concern that four Oahu schools pulled out of a Keaau-Waiakea preseason boys basketball tournament next week

Nothing to worry about, right?

The department received an emergency appropriation of up to $75,000 to hire public relations firm Bennet Group Strategic Communications to help with communications efforts. The firm created the department's "Fight the Bite" campaign to educate people about ways to control mosquitoes.

How much DEET would $75K buy?

[Obie]

http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/loc...ngue-fever

"State Sen. Russell Ruderman worries whenever there’s a mosquito buzzing in his home."

Guess he spent so much time trying to ban fracking and gmo's that he didn't have time to clean up around the house.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

four Oahu schools pulled out of a Keaau-Waiakea preseason boys basketball tournament next week
...
$75,000 to hire public relations firm Bennet Group Strategic Communications

First PR release for Bennet Group. Stress how dengue already helps Big Island sports teams win inter-island games, even if it is by forfeit.

[Mendo]

Only after pressure from lawmakers did DOH call in CDC. Last Friday DOH said they don't need any help.