Dengue Fever Count Up 18 Since Friday

Fifty-six cases of dengue fever on the Big Island have been confirmed by the Hawai’i Department of Health.

The number climbed on Saturday to 49 cases and has since grown by an additional seven.

Of those infected, 46 are Hawai’i residents while ten have been visitors. Fifteen of those impacted are under the age of 18.

DOH officials on Monday continued to list the onset of illness range between Sept. 11 and Nov. 7.

On Friday, the confirmed case count was 38.

Over the weekend, DOH crews conducted spraying operations in a widely spanned area of the Big Island, including Napoopoo, Honaunau, Captain Cook, Ookala, Papaaloa, Kea’au and Mountain View on Sunday, as well as areas in South Kona.

Island-wide community meetings were held last week with the launch of DOH’s “Fight the Bite” campaign. County and DOH officials will wrap up the remaining two meetings at Hilo High School and Kea’au High School on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. The meetings will be held at each school’s cafeteria at 6 p.m.

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, joint or muscle paints, headache or pain behind the eyes, and rash.

Those interesting in obtaining general information about the current Big Island dengue investigation should call 2-1-1 and talk with Aloha United Way.

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted dengue fever on the Big Island should call 933-0912 if they’re located in East Hawai’i or 322-4877 in West Hawai’i. If an individual is currently ill and worried that they may have contracted dengue fever, they should contact their primary care physician.

Mosquito concerns should be reported to 974-6010 in East Hawai’i or 322-1513 in West Hawai’i.

For more information, visit the DOH website.