Now 177 Confirmed Cases of Dengue Fever

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The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever is climbing.

The Department of Health is seeing an increase in the number of blood samples sent to Hawaii State Lab for testing, coming back positive for dengue virus infection.

So says Aifili John Tufa an epidemiologist contracted by the Pacific Islands Health Officers Association to assist with the Zika surge response in American Samoa.

Tufa explains that since the last reporting of dengue numbers a week ago, there were just over 130 confirmed cases.

But this week there are now 177 cases confirmed through laboratory testing.

Tufa says there have not been any dengue related deaths with the latest outbreak and that’s due to physicians at LBJ Hospital and at the DOH Community Health Centers doing an excellent job with clinical management.

During the last dengue outbreak back in 2014, CDC provided training and information resources to health personnel.

LBJ Hospital and DOH have also gained, experience from previous outbreaks so they are better at handling Dengue cases.

DOH has vamped up its vector control and media campaign efforts.

Today, DOH started the residual indoor spraying of all schools in preparation for the start of the new school year.

It’s also requested the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dengue Branch to send a team here to assist with vector control efforts.

Tufa says DOH is also increasing public awareness informing residents on how to protect themselves from dengue fever.

Remember the 4 Ds: Drain standing water where mosquitoes that carry the virus breed, Dress appropriately, used repellant that contains Deet, and Discuss dengue prevention with friends and family.

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