Camping is once again allowed in Waipio and Waimano valleys, which were closed by health officials in January because of the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island.

Hawaii County officials on Monday reopened Waipio Valley Access Road, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources reopened the Muliwai hiking trail on the far side of Waipio Valley and its campground in the next valley, Waimanu.

Dengue is a viral infection spread via mosquitoes that bite an infected person and then carry the virus to the next person.

There have been 262 cases of dengue fever in Hawaii reported since September.

The health department reported that of the confirmed cases, 236 are Hawaii island residents and 26 are visitors. A total of 1,512 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and or not meeting case criteria.

Hikers interested in obtaining permits to camp in remote Waimanu Valley may again reserve permits on the DLNR Wiki Permit website, at https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/welcome.html or at the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife district office at 19 E. Kawili St., Hilo, Hawaii 96720. Phone: (808) 974-4221.

For current information on dengue and preventing its spread, go to health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at 974-6001.