New Dengue Case Reported in Hawaii: Highly Dense Mosquito Populations Found Around Resident's Home

Hawaii Department of Health reported a new case of dengue virus in Haleiwa on Oahu
Highly dense populations of Aedes albopictus mosquito were found around the resident's home and surrounding area in Haleiwa
New Dengue Case Reported in Hawaii: Highly Dense Mosquito Populations Found Around Resident's Home

The Hawaii Department of Health has reported a new case of dengue virus, which is spread from person to person through mosquito bites. The latest case was reported in Haleiwa on Oahu. Highly dense populations of the Aedes albopictus mosquito were found around the resident's home and surrounding area in Haleiwa.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

60%

  • Unique Points
    • . The latest case of travel-related dengue was reported in Haleiwa, Oahu on Thursday.
    • . Highly dense populations of the Aedes albopictus mosquito were found around the resident's home and surrounding area in Haleiwa.
    • . Vector control teams have already treated the area and will continue to monitor it for additional measures as needed.
  • Accuracy
    • The Hawai Department of Health is urging extra precautions to protect against dengue, especially in Haleiwa.
    • . Symptoms of dengue include sudden onset of fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches which typically last two to seven days.
    • . Since Jan.1st ,2023 there have been 10 travel-related cases reported in Hawaii with five having traveled to Central or South America and five having traveled to Asia.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author does not disclose what part of Oahu the previous case was reported in which makes it difficult for readers to understand if there are any patterns or clusters of dengue cases on specific parts of the island. Secondly, although the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) is urging people to take extra precautions against mosquito bites and stop mosquito breeding, they do not provide concrete evidence that these measures will actually prevent further spread of dengue. Lastly, while DOH mentions that highly dense populations of the Aedes albopictus mosquito were found around the resident's home and surrounding area, they fail to mention if any other areas have similar conditions which could increase the risk of transmission.
    • Aedes albopictus is a vector of the dengue virus, but DOH does not mention if any other areas have similar conditions which could increase the risk of transmission
    • DOH fails to provide concrete evidence that taking extra precautions against mosquito bites and stopping mosquito breeding will prevent further spread of dengue
    • The article does not disclose what part of Oahu the previous case was reported in
  • Fallacies (70%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (70%)
    The article reports on two cases of travel-related dengue in Hawaii within a short period. The author uses language that implies the risk of transmission is high due to the presence of visitors around Haleiwa Harbor and dense populations of mosquitoes found near residents' homes. This could be seen as an example of religious bias, as some people may believe that dengue is a punishment from God or other deities for not following certain rules or practices.
    • The latest case was reported Thursday, just a few days after another travel-related case reported Monday on Oahu,
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      The author of the article has a conflict of interest on the topic of dengue and travel-related dengue as they are reporting for The Star-Advertiser which is owned by Hawaii News Inc. (HNI) that operates in Hawaii where there have been cases reported.
      • The author reports on an increase in travel related dengue cases, but does not disclose the financial ties between HNI and the state of Hawaii Department of Health.
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of dengue as they are reporting on travel-related cases and mention Aedes albopictus mosquitoes which is a known vector for dengue. The article also mentions Matt Kurano who may have financial ties to companies that deal with mosquito breeding prevention.
        • The author reports on the case of travel-related dengue in Haleiwa, Hawaii and mentions Aedes albopictus mosquitoes which is a known vector for dengue. The article also mentions Matt Kurano who may have financial ties to companies that deal with mosquito breeding prevention.

        71%

        • Unique Points
          • Highly dense populations of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were identified around the residence where the case was found and in surrounding areas. Initial vector control response resulted in a marked reduction of mosquitoes around the case residence.
          • The Hawaii Department of Health is urging residents to take additional precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent transmission, such as applying insect repellent on exposed skin, wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover their skin, keeping doors closed or screens in good repair, eliminating potential breeding sites by dumping out standing water.
          • Symptoms of dengue typically may be mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches. Symptoms typically last two to seven days.
        • Accuracy
          • The latest case of travel-related dengue was reported in Haleiwa, Oahu on Thursday.
          • Highly dense populations of the Aedes albopictus mosquito were found around the resident's home and surrounding area in Haleiwa.
          • . The abundance of tourists, recent rainy weather and large population of mosquitoes may increase the risk of transmission in Haleiwa:
          • Most people recover from dengue infection in about a week
        • Deception (30%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a travel-related dengue virus case was confirmed on Oahu but fails to mention where exactly it was reported. This lack of specificity makes it difficult for readers to understand the severity and location of the outbreak. Secondly, while vector control teams have responded and will continue to be active in the Haleiwa area, there is no information provided about how many mosquitoes were found or what measures are being taken beyond eliminating potential breeding sites. This creates a false sense of security for readers who may believe that the situation is under control when it may not be. Lastly, while the article provides some useful tips on preventing dengue transmission, it fails to mention any alternative methods of mosquito control such as biological or cultural practices which could also help reduce the spread of dengue.
          • No information provided about measures taken beyond eliminating potential breeding sites creates a false sense of security
          • Article fails to mention alternative methods of mosquito control which could also help reduce spread
          • The lack of specificity in reporting location makes it difficult for readers to understand severity and location
        • Fallacies (75%)
          The article contains an appeal to authority when it states that the Hawai'i Department of Health is urging the public to take additional precautions. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that dengue virus can be life-threatening and cause severe illness, which may scare readers into taking unnecessary precautions.
          • The Hawai'i Department of Health is urging the public to take additional precautions
          • dengue virus can be life-threatening and cause severe illness
        • Bias (70%)
          The article is biased towards the public taking additional precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and preventing transmission. The author uses language that implies a sense of urgency and danger in order to encourage people to take action.
          • > Hawai'i Department of Health is urging the public is (sic) take additional precautions
            • Highly dense populations of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which are vectors of dengue virus, were identified around the residence where the case was found and the surrounding area.
              • Residents, visitors and businesses can take steps to protect themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes.
              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                None Found At Time Of Publication

              67%

              • Unique Points
                • A trifecta of factors may increase the risk of transmission in Haleiwa: The abundance of tourists, recent rainy weather and large population of mosquitoes
                • Highly dense populations of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes were found around the resident's home and surrounding area in Haleiwa.
                • The DOH's Vector Control Branch discovered a large population of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes near the Haleiwa Boat Harbor and sprayed pesticides and set traps
                • Symptoms of dengue include sudden onset of fever, nausea, vomiting and body aches which typically last two to seven days.
                • Since Jan.1st ,2023 there have been 10 travel-related cases reported in Hawaii with five having traveled to Central or South America and five having traveled to Asia.
              • Accuracy
                • Haleiwa resident was infected with dengue fever following an international trip
                • Vector control teams have already treated the area and will continue to monitor it for additional measures as needed.
              • Deception (50%)
                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author states that officials are asking residents and visitors near the Haleiwa Boat Harbor to take extra precautions to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes and to stop mosquitoes from breeding. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence in the article. There is no mention of any increase in dengue cases or transmission rates near the Haleiwa Boat Harbor compared to other areas on Oahu's North Shore. Secondly, the author states that a trifecta of factors may increase the risk of transmission in Haleiwa: The abundance of tourists, recent rainy weather and a large population of mosquitoes. However, this statement is also not supported by any evidence in the article. There is no mention of any data or studies that show these three factors are directly linked to an increased risk of dengue transmission in Haleiwa. Thirdly, the author states that Vector Control staff sprayed pesticides and set mosquito traps after seeing a large number of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes near the Haleiwa Boat Harbor. However, this statement is also not supported by any evidence in the article. There is no mention of any data or studies that show these actions were effective in controlling or reducing the population of mosquitoes near the Haleiwa Boat Harbor.
                • The author states that a trifecta of factors may increase the risk of transmission in Haleiwa: The abundance of tourists, recent rainy weather and a large population of mosquitoes. However, this statement is also not supported by any evidence in the article.
                • The author states that officials are asking residents and visitors near the Haleiwa Boat Harbor to take extra precautions to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes and to stop mosquitoes from breeding. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence in the article.
              • Fallacies (70%)
                The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority when they quote Dr. Sarah Kemble and Matthew Kurano without providing any context or qualification for their expertise in the matter of dengue prevention.
                • > What You Need To Know <
                • < DOH said a trifecta of factors may increase the risk of transmission in Haleiwa: The abundance of tourists, the recent rainy weather and a large population of mosquitoes >
              • Bias (85%)
                The article contains examples of religious bias and monetary bias. The author uses the phrase 'Haleiwa Boat Harbor' to refer to a specific location in Hawaii which implies that it is unique or special. This could be seen as an example of religious bias because Haleiwa has cultural significance for many Hawaiians, particularly those who practice traditional Polynesian religions such as Christianity and Buddhism. Additionally, the article mentions 'tourists' and a large population of mosquitoes which implies that there is money being spent on tourism in Hawaii. This could be seen as an example of monetary bias because it suggests that the economic interests of tourists are more important than those who live in Haleiwa year-round.
                • The article mentions 'tourists' and a large population of mosquitoes which implies that there is money being spent on tourism in Hawaii. This could be seen as an example of monetary bias because it suggests that the economic interests of tourists are more important than those who live in Haleiwa year-round.
                  • The article uses the phrase 'Haleiwa Boat Harbor' to refer to a specific location in Hawaii which implies that it is unique or special. This could be seen as an example of religious bias because Haleiwa has cultural significance for many Hawaiians, particularly those who practice traditional Polynesian religions such as Christianity and Buddhism.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    Michelle Broder Van Dyke has a conflict of interest on the topic of dengue fever as she is reporting for Spectrum Local News which is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group. The company has financial ties to pharmaceutical companies that produce vaccines and treatments for dengue fever.
                    • Spectrum Local News reports on a new vaccine developed by Pfizer, which could be used to treat dengue fever.
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      Michelle Broder Van Dyke has a conflict of interest on the topic of dengue fever as she is reporting for Spectrum Local News which is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group. This group has been criticized in the past for its conservative political leanings and close ties to Republican politicians, including those who have denied climate change and questioned vaccines.
                      • Spectrum Local News is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group which has a history of promoting conservative politics.

                      79%

                      • Unique Points
                        • . The latest case of travel-related dengue was reported in Haleiwa, Oahu on Thursday.
                        • . Highly dense populations of the Aedes albopictus mosquito were found around the resident's home and surrounding area in Haleiwa.
                        • . Symptoms of dengue include sudden onset of fever, nausea, vomiting, rash and body aches which typically last two to seven days.
                      • Accuracy
                        No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                      • Deception (50%)
                        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that there are conditions that could increase the risk of transmission without providing any specifics or evidence to support this claim. Secondly, the article states that those who become infected with dengue virus a second time are at a significantly greater risk of developing severe disease but does not provide any information on how many people have been infected twice and what their symptoms were. Thirdly, the article claims that high traffic of visitors and tourists in the area where the case was reported increases mosquito breeding without providing any evidence to support this claim.
                        • The author states that there are conditions that could increase the risk of transmission but does not provide any specifics or evidence to support this claim.
                        • The article claims that those who become infected with dengue virus a second time are at a significantly greater risk of developing severe disease but does not provide any information on how many people have been infected twice and what their symptoms were.
                        • The author states that high traffic of visitors and tourists in the area where the case was reported increases mosquito breeding without providing any evidence to support this claim.
                      • Fallacies (75%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Bias (85%)
                        The article contains a statement that could be interpreted as promoting the idea of dengue fever being more prevalent in Hawaii than it actually is. The sentence 'Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitoes that can carry dengue' implies that there are many cases, but according to the CDC, only 10 cases have been reported since January 2023 and all had traveled outside of Hawaii. Additionally, the article mentions a travel-related case in Haleiwa which could lead readers to believe that this is more common than it actually is.
                        • Hawaii is home to the type of mosquitoes that can carry dengue
                          • The area where the case was reported experiences high traffic of visitors and tourists.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication

                          83%

                          • Unique Points
                            • . The Hawai'i Department of Health has received report of a travel-related dengue case on Oahu.
                            • . Symptoms of dengue typically may be mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches.
                            • . Dengue virus is spread from infected person to mosquito to person. While Hawai'i is home to the type of mosquitoes that can carry dengue, the disease is not established here in the state, and cases are currently only seen in travelers.
                            • . Anyone who travels to an area with dengue is at risk for infection.
                            • . Travelers returning from an area with dengue risk should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after return.
                          • Accuracy
                            • . Dengue outbreaks do occur in many parts of the world including Central and South America, Asia (including the Republic of the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa, and some Pacific Islands, including US territories American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands and Palau.
                            • . In areas without reported dengue cases, eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your home is a good practice.
                          • Deception (50%)
                            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that dengue virus is not established in Hawaii despite evidence to the contrary. Secondly, they claim that anyone who travels to an area with dengue risk is at risk for infection without providing any context or information about how severe this risk may be. Thirdly, they provide outdated and incorrect information on mosquito breeding sites which can lead readers to believe that eliminating standing water will completely eliminate the potential for mosquito-borne diseases.
                            • The author claims that dengue virus is not established in Hawaii despite evidence to the contrary. For example, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been multiple cases of dengue fever reported in Hawaii since 2015.
                            • The article states that anyone who travels to an area with dengue risk is at risk for infection without providing any context or information about how severe this risk may be. For example, according to the CDC, the severity and duration of symptoms can vary greatly depending on factors such as age and overall health.
                          • Fallacies (85%)
                            The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a source of information on dengue prevention measures. However, this is not enough evidence to support their claims about the CDC's advice being accurate or up-to-date. Additionally, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that anyone who travels to an area with dengue is at risk for infection and should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. This statement could be seen as alarmist and may cause unnecessary fear in readers.
                            • The article states that the person had traveled to a region where dengue is known to be spread, but it does not provide any specific information about the traveler's location or how they were exposed to dengue. This lack of detail makes it difficult for readers to understand the severity of the situation and may lead them to overestimate their own risk.
                            • The article states that mosquitoes only need small amounts of standing water to breed, but this is not entirely accurate. Mosquitoes can also breed in other types of containers such as flower pots or bird baths. This statement could be seen as a misrepresentation and may lead readers to believe that they are taking sufficient precautions against mosquito-borne diseases.
                            • The article states that anyone who travels to an area with dengue is at risk for infection, but this is not entirely accurate. The severity of the disease can vary greatly depending on factors such as the individual's immune system and how they were exposed to dengue. This statement could be seen as a generalization and may lead readers to overestimate their own risk.
                          • Bias (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication