While nations throughout the Americas are on high alert over the spread of the Zika virus, Hawaii’s Big Island has declared a state of emergency over the mosquito-borne outbreak of dengue fever.
Hawaii County mayor Billy Kenoi’s order follows more than 250 reported cases of dengue in the last five months.
There have been 227 Hawaii Island residents and 24 visitors infected so far according to the Hawaii Department of Health.
The measure now permits residents to dispose of tires in landfill as these are known as a water retaining breeding ground for mosquitoes.
George D Szigeti, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority said the alert should not discourage travel to the state.
"It’s important to note that no health organization has advised against traveling to the Hawaiian Islands at any time since the outbreak of dengue fever began on Hawaii Island. Travelers should also take note that Hawaii Governor David Ige has chosen not to issue a state-wide emergency proclamation since none of the conditions for doing so have been realized," Szigeti said in a statement.
The rate of confirmed cases has been declining since January and, currently, only one case is considered infectious. Moreover, most of the dengue fever cases on Hawaii Island have been confined to the rural southwestern region. No locally acquired cases of dengue fever have been found on any other island of Hawaii."
