State officials are urging residents and businesses to drain standing pools of water left from recent storms to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

The state Department of Health says severe budget cuts have left its Vector Control Branch unable to treat mosquito infestations, but it can provide information over the phone.

Officials say limiting mosquitoes can hamper the spread of dengue fever, West Nile virus, malaria and other such diseases.

This can be done by eliminating anything that is holding water — other than pools or ponds with circulation systems.

They add that this year, they investigated five cases of dengue fever that were contracted outside of Hawaii by travelers who became ill during their stay in the state.

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Online: http://hawaii.gov/health/environmental/vector/mosquitoflyer.pdf