Senator J. Kalani English
Majority Floor Leader
State Capitol, Room 205
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Phone: (808) 587-7225
E-mail: english1@capitol.hawaii.gov

PRESS RELEASE
May 10, 2002

SENATOR ENGLISH EMPHASIZES NEED FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN THE ONGOING CONTROL OF DENGUE FEVER

(Hana, Maui) Senate Majority Floor Leader J. Kalani English (D-Wailuku, Kahului, Upcountry Maui), today expressed his appreciation for the diligence and teamwork of the members of the Emergency Environmental Workforce, and the Maui County District Health Office under the leadership of Dr. Lorrin Pang, for their ongoing efforts to eradicate and control Dengue fever. “The mitigation and prevention efforts of the Emergency Environmental Workforce have been recognized by the Department of Health for controlling the recent outbreak of Dengue Fever in Hawaii,” said Senator English.

According to Dr. Lorrin Pang, Maui County last reported an active case of dengue fever in February 2002. However, Dr. Pang noted that while several months have elapsed since this diagnosis, the same activities that have been undertaken to eradicate this Dengue fever outbreak need to be continued to prevent another outbreak. Dr. Pang identified the following activities as critical to prevention of another outbreak: early reporting of cases; ongoing clean-up and monitoring of mosquito breeding grounds; and spraying of visitors with insect repellent. “The immediate and forceful response to the outbreak was the key to eradicating Dengue,” said Senator English. “By continuing with the Emergency Environmental Workforce, we are making a critical investment to prevent future outbreaks.”

Dr. Pang noted that while there may no longer be any active cases on Maui, there remains a very real threat from visitors arriving in Hawaii, especially during the summer months as the virus grows more quickly in warmer climates.

Senator English noted that Senate Bill 2900, CD1, which provides additional funding for the continuation of the Emergency Environmental Workforce (EEWF), has been sent to the Governor for his signature. "This measure provides additional funding for the Emergency Environmental Workforce whose workers are serving as community guardians of our public health, by ensuring a healthy environment for residents and visitors alike. This preventive work provides a huge economic return by avoiding the costs, both economic and in human suffering, that Dengue outbreaks impose upon our community." English also agrees with Dr. Pang that we need to protect our residents and visitors from cyclical Dengue fever outbreaks such as have occurred in Tahiti, Brazil, Rapa Nui and Bangkok. "Our fragile environment and economy cannot sustain continued threats such as a recurrence of Dengue fever - we must continue to be vigilant in our efforts, and that is why continuing the EEWF is so critical".

END

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