Question: Is leprosy wiped out in Hawaii?
Answer: No, a total of 175 cases of Hansen’s disease (formerly known as leprosy) were reported in Hawaii from 2007 to 2016, including 15 cases last year, according to public health records.
“Hansen’s disease is treatable and curable, but continues to occur globally. The Department of Health has a Hansen’s disease program which works to prevent spread of the disease in Hawaii,” said Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for the state Department of Health.
It’s important to reduce the stigma associated with this historical scourge to ensure that today’s patients seek early diagnosis and treatment, which involves long-term, multi-drug antibiotic therapy to cure the bacterial infection.
Hansen’s disease is caused by the slow-growing bacteria Mycobacterium leprae, which can damage a patient’s nerves, skin, eyes and nasal lining, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multi-drug therapy cures the infection, but can’t undo nerve damage that may have occurred before the patient began treatment.
“Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective. However, if left untreated, the nerve damage can result in crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness,” according to the CDC.
For more information about the history of Hansen’s disease in Hawaii, which includes a long period beginning in the 1860s when patients were isolated on Molokai, see 808ne.ws/kalapark, the website of Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Q: I see that HPD is active on Facebook. Can you report a crime or emergency there?
A: No. Call 911 for an immediate response in any urgent situation. The Honolulu Police Department’s social media accounts aren’t monitored around the clock, according to the department, so Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms are not the way to reach police when every second counts. By contrast, 911 is staffed by dispatchers 24/7.
Q: What about texting?
A: Yes, you may text to 911 in Hawaii, but are advised to do so only when you are unable to make a voice call. Calling is the fastest, most efficient way to relay an emergency call to the police, fire, ambulance or ocean safety departments, according to the state’s Enhanced 911 Board.
Q: We appreciate the attention to the monk seal pup in Waikiki, but what about marine life being harassed elsewhere on the island?
A: Hawaiian monk seals are protected under state and federal law. There are enforcement hotlines that witnesses can call if they see someone harassing monk seals anywhere in Hawaii. The phone numbers are 643-3567 (state) and 800-853-1964 (federal).
Auwe
Auwe to the drunks in the “Floatilla” who showed such disregard for Hawaii’s environment and for their own welfare. … And then the taxpayers pay to rescue them! — A reader
Mahalo
On May 22, I missed a step while walking down a flight of stairs at Manoa Marketplace. Fortunately, Mark N. was coming up the stairs at the same time. He immediately sat down next to me and began to talk to me, keeping me calm and less aware of my injuries. I failed to get the name of the thoughtful young lady on her way to yoga class who called security. When able, I’ll try to find her. Upon arrival, security contacted a friend of mine who was shopping at Safeway and expecting me to take her home. Additionally, they called the City and County ambulance service that efficiently took me to Straub Emergency. I can’t thank all these people enough. Mark for his compassion, the “yoga lady” for her thoughtfulness, security for their efficiency, the ambulance team and Straub for the treatment I received. Bless you all. — A reader
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
