Camping OK again in valleys on Big Island

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

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

Dengue is a viral infection spread via mosquitoes that transmit the virus from person to person through bites.

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

The state 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 camping in remote Waimanu Valley may reserve permits on the DLNR Wiki Permit website, at camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/welcome.html or at the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife district office at 19 E. Kawili St., Hilo. The phone number is 974-4221.

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

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Star-Advertiser staff