6 suspected dengue
cases at Hickam
under scrutiny

The cases are the first ones
reported by a military installation

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By Gregg K. Kakesako
gkakesako@starbulletin.com

Hickam Air Force Base is investigating six suspected cases of dengue fever that were reported over the past month.

Eight possible cases of dengue fever were reported between Oct. 7 and last Friday, said Maj. Paul Sjoberg, 15th Aeromedical Dental Detachment Squadron Public Health Flight commander.

"Two of them turned out to be negative," Sjoberg said. "Six are awaiting the results of testing by the Centers for Disease Control."

The Health Department said yesterday the Hickam suspected cases are the first reported by a military installation.

As of yesterday, the Health Department reported four new confirmed cases -- three in Hana, Maui, and one in Hauula -- bringing the total to 78.

The Health Department said there were 59 confirmed cases on Maui -- three in Haiku, 49 in Hana, two in Lahaina and one each in Kihei, Makawao, Paia, Pukalani and Wailuku.

On Oahu there have been 14 confirmed cases -- five in Kaneohe and Laie and one each in Aiea, Hauula, Makiki and Kailua.

The Big Island registered one confirmed case in Pahoa, while there were four on Kauai at Anahola, Hanalei, Kalaheo and Princeville.

The Health Department said 350 cases are under investigation by the CDC.

Sjoberg said Hickam's eight cases are both military personnel and dependents and were patients treated by the base's clinic.

The patients reported running a fever and had dengue fever symptoms, such as headaches and pain around their eyes.

None of the eight people treated at the Hickam clinic had traveled outside the state, Sjoberg said.

"Only two lived off post," he added.

He said Air Force public health officials and Hickam's pest management specialists are identifying mosquito-breeding areas on the base and are treating these areas by removing standing water or placing mosquito-eating fish in ponds and streams.

Dengue fever is transmitted only by mosquitoes. It is not transmitted person to person.

A mosquito becomes infected by biting a person who has been stricken by dengue.