Task Force Oceania Visits the Polynesian Cultural Center 

Submitted by: Moniqueca Kaufusi, Account Executive – Sales Westbound 

On Saturday, April 3rd, the Polynesian Cultural Center hosted a group of soldiers assigned to various Pacific islands.  These soldiers are tasked to visit and serve several communities and to build relationships with local representatives and residents. They recently had the opportunity to learn about the cultures that are presented at the PCC in preparation for their duties/projects.  

For additional information: 

New Army Task Force in Oceania 

 

Waterborne Disease

Submitted by:  Elder Davis 

 

There are a number of waterborne diseases. Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by microscopic organisms, like viruses and bacteria that are ingested or enters the body through contaminated water. 

One such common disease here in Hawaii is Leptospirosis. It is a bacterium carried in the urine of infected animals such as rodents, pigs, cattle, dogs, and many wildlife species. If urine from an infected animal is deposited or drains into a body of freshwater (lake, river, stream, etc.) or soil, the bacteria can survive there for weeks to months. The risk of infection is higher after heavy rain or flooding. 

Walking in the floodwaters barefoot increases your risk of developing the infection. During floods always wear rubber boots to protect your feet. The infection can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, or skin cuts and abrasions.  

Symptoms may appear anywhere from two days to four weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Most infections result in mild, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all.  

Take steps to lower your chances of getting leptospirosis: 

• Wear protective clothing and shoes – avoid walking barefoot in areas with potentially contaminated standing water or mud. 
• Try to avoid going underwater, swallowing water, or splashing in the eyes and face of potentially contaminated lakes, rivers, or swamps. 
• Wash your hands and face with soap and water after contact with freshwater or damp soil. 
• If exposure to potentially contaminated water or wet soil is unavoidable, consider talking to your health care provider about taking medicine that may help prevent leptospirosis. 

Source:  Center of Disease Control and Prevention