Flesh-eating bacteria treated Flesh-eating bacteria treated ADVERTISING LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — A state health official says a Kauai boy is being treated for contracting flesh-eating bacteria. The Hawaii Department of Health had said three cases of what’s called necrotizing fasciitis
Flesh-eating bacteria treated
LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — A state health official says a Kauai boy is being treated for contracting flesh-eating bacteria.
The Hawaii Department of Health had said three cases of what’s called necrotizing fasciitis were reported. But now Epidemiological Specialist Joe Elm says there are two confirmed cases and officials are monitoring a possible third case.
Elm said one case was found to be just fasciitis, which results in inflammation and swelling but not tissue death.
The boy was first diagnosed at a Kauai hospital with septic arthritis in his elbow. He has since been flown to Honolulu for treatment.
The other unrelated case involves 49-year-old John Stem, who underwent several surgeries on Kauai before being transferred to Honolulu.
Dengue mosquito found on Oahu
HONOLULU (AP) — The state Department of Health says a mosquito species capable of rapidly spreading dengue and yellow fever was found on Oahu for the first time in 60 years.
The discovery was made at Honolulu International Airport. The department said Tuesday its vector control program identified the species on March 5.
The department is calling on residents to remove standing water to reduce mosquito populations. The species Aedes aegypti was last found on Oahu in 1949.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s very difficult to control or eliminate the mosquito because it adapts to its environment.
Bill is modeled after Dream Act
HONOLULU (AP) — A bill seeking to become Hawaii’s version of the federal Dream Act would offer the state’s high school graduates who don’t have legal immigration status to get resident tuition at the University of Hawaii and be eligible for state-funded financial aid.
The Senate Education Committee advanced the bill earlier this week, with Republican Sen. Sam Slom voting against it and calling it “special treatment for unlawful immigrants.” Supporters include the university and civil rights organizations.
The measure would bring Hawaii in line with 13 states that offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who are residents. Hawaii would be the fourth state to offer access to taxpayer-funded financial aid.
University officials estimate as many as 1,300 students could take advantage of lower tuition.
