Big Island blood drives axed despite slowdown in dengue

BRUCE ASATO / BASATO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Blood drives will be held this week at the Blood Bank of Hawaii building at 2043 Dillingham Blvd.

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After canceling blood drives on Hawaii island because of the risk of dengue fever in Kailua-Kona, the Blood Bank of Hawaii will hold drives at its Kalihi headquarters this week.

The nonprofit hopes those upcoming drives at Dillingham Boulevard will make up for lost donations. The canceled drives were to be held this week at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kona, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Konawaena High School.

Although the state Department of Health reported no new dengue cases on Hawaii island as of Monday, there is still a “moderate risk” for contracting the mosquito-borne virus in Kailua-Kona.

Since mid-September, the department has tallied 260 confirmed cases. Of that figure, 235 are Hawaii residents and 25 are visitors. The onset of illnesses occurred sometime between Sept. 11 and Feb. 13. All confirmed cases are no longer infectious.

While the disease is not endemic to Hawaii, it is intermittently imported from endemic areas by infected travelers.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said Friday no new cases were reported in the past week. “That’s certainly very encouraging. However, we can’t let our guard down,” she said.

“This is probably the most critical time,” she added, noting the matter is a statewide issue due to the potential for dengue to spread to other parts of the state.

“We can’t let up on this. We have to continue our efforts.”

Gov. David Ige declared a state of emergency in February to address the problem. The emergency proclamation included the release of funds for 10 additional positions at the Health Department — an entomologist, eight vector control staffers and a communications staff member. Deputy Health Director Keith Kawaoka said the department has recently filled all positions.

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES

The Blood Bank of Hawaii will hold drives at its headquarters at 2043 Dillingham Blvd. on the following dates:

>> Wednesday: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

>> Thursday: 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

>> Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, call the Blood Bank of Hawaii at 845-9966.