<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Thursday, March 28, 2024
March 28, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Hawaii senator fears for pregnant wife amid dengue outbreak

By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER, Associated Press
Published: November 26, 2015, 10:54am

HONOLULU — Hawaii state Sen. Russell Ruderman worries whenever there’s a mosquito buzzing in his home.

Until recently, he never gave the common pests much thought, but now his wife is six months pregnant and there’s a dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island.

The state Department of Health reports there were 101 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne illness as of Wednesday.

Ruderman and other Big Island lawmakers say the department is downplaying the situation.

Department Director Dr. Ginny Pressler says the level of alarm is higher than necessary. She says officials are trying to raise awareness instead of fear.

The department hired a public relations firm to help with communications efforts.

There’s concern the outbreak will hurt the tourism industry, but officials say they have not seen significant visitor cancelations.

Loading...