Talking Points: Dengue Fever on the Big Island of Hawaii (March 10, 2016)

Talking Points – Dengue Fever on The Big Island of Hawaii

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The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and customers when

talking about dengue fever in Hawaii. (Updated March 10, 2016)

1. The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) has indicated that there are currently no

cases of dengue fever on the Big Island (Hawaii) that are potentially infectious to

mosquitoes. However, it is possible mosquitoes may still be carrying the disease.

2. There are simple precautions travelers can take to minimize their risk of being bitten

by an infected mosquito.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top

priority.

Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further

illustrate each talking point.

1. The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) has indicated that there are currently no

cases of dengue fever on the Big Island (Hawaii) that are potentially infectious to

mosquitoes. However, it is possible mosquitoes may still be carrying the disease.

 “It appears Hawaii Island is on the verge of ending the mosquito-borne disease

outbreak,” according to Big Island News, which reported on the Hawaii Department of

Health’s (HDOH) latest report from March 9, 2016.

o There have been no new confirmed cases of dengue fever in two weeks (none

since February 25).

 The HDOH has created a map of potential areas of infection by mosquito for confirmed

dengue fever cases; it was last updated on March 9, 2016.

o There are no longer any areas listed on the map that are considered “High

Risk” or “Moderate Risk.”

o There are only four remaining areas on the map listed as “Some Risk” including

Kailua/Kona, Captain Cook, Hilo and Mountain View.” This means some risk

still exists.

 “The Big Island and the rest of Hawaii remain safe destinations for visitors and

residents,” according to the HDOH, which notes:

o “As of March 9, 2016, HDOH has identified 0 new cases of dengue fever.

Currently, as many as 0 of the confirmed cases to date are potentially

infectious to mosquitoes. All others are no longer infectious.”

o “Of the confirmed cases, 235 are Hawaii Island residents and 25 are visitors.”

o “HDOH continues to routinely monitor for cases of imported dengue infection

on ALL islands and will continue to have Vector Control perform mosquito site

assessments and abatement as needed. Since the beginning of our current

investigation on Hawaii island, thirteen imported dengue fever cases have been

confirmed (seven on Oahu, three on Maui, two on Hawaii, 1 visitor), and one

imported chikungunya case (on Hawaii) has been confirmed. These cases are

not associated with the Hawaii island investigation.”

o “The Hawaii Department of Health is investigating a cluster of locally-acquired

cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island. Dengue is not endemic to Hawaii.

However, it is intermittently imported from endemic areas by infected travelers.

This is the first cluster of locally-acquired dengue fever since the 2011 outbreak

on Oahu.”

 “There have been 260 reported cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island since the

outbreak began in September 2015. Health officials say none of those cases is

potentially infectious to mosquitoes, although it is possible mosquitoes may still be

carrying the disease,” according to Big Island News.

 While Hawaii’s Governor David Ige issued an “Emergency Proclamation on Dengue

Fever” and the CDC has issued an “Alert: Dengue in Hawaii,” it is important to note that

neither are advising anyone to alter vacation plans to the Big Island. The CDC has a

post on its website entitled, “Traveling to Hawaii? Protect yourself from mosquito bites”

with “Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers.”

o CNN reports that “Health officials in Hawaii are getting help from the CDC to

control the ongoing outbreak of dengue fever on the Big Island.”

o According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “dengue (pronounced

den’ gee) is a disease caused by any one of four closely related dengue

viruses … The viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected

mosquito.”

 Symptoms for dengue fever could include: high fever, severe headache,

severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, and

mild bleeding (e.g., nose or gums bleed, easy bruising).

 Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is more serious and should be treated

promptly. In addition to the symptoms listed, DHF symptoms might also

include: severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting; pale, cold, or

clammy skin; and difficulty breathing.

 For those infected and who exhibit signs of dengue fever, the CDC

recommends pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoiding those

containing aspirin. Individuals should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and

consult a physician. Those individuals with more serious symptoms

should go immediately to the hospital for evaluation.

 According to Hawaii health officials, the onset of the mosquito borne viral illness on the

Big Island dates back to September 11, reports Travel Weekly.

 According to the CDC, as many as 400 million people worldwide are infected yearly with

dengue fever.

2. There are simple precautions travelers can take to minimize their risk of being bitten

by an infected mosquito.

 The CDC offers “Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers.”

 The mosquitoes that spread dengue usually bite at dusk and dawn but may bite at any

time during the day, especially indoors, in shady areas, or when the weather is cloudy.

 Where possible, stay in hotels or resorts that are well screened or air conditioned and

that take measures to reduce the mosquito population.

 Use insect repellent on uncovered skin. Look for a repellent that contains one of the

following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD,

or IR3535. If sunscreen is needed, apply before insect repellent.

3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top

priority.

 We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believed it to be unsafe or

were unable to provide precautions to minimize risks. Should we become aware of an

issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and

provide detailed information on the situation so they can make determine for themselves

if they still wish to travel.

 The CDC has not issued any travel warnings and has not recommended avoiding travel

to Hawaii to dengue.

 Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything

goes off without a hitch.

 By working with a true travel professional, we assist our clients by consulting on the ideal

vacation experience they are looking for and providing alternative destinations should

the need arise