DOH: Dengue Fever Count Now 72

Dengue fever continues to strike the Big Island as the total number of confirmed cases of the virus rose to 72 Wednesday, adding an additional seven cases onto Tuesday’s count.

State officials, alongside the County of Hawai’i, are planning on conducting preventative spraying measures at several Hawai’i Department of Education public schools.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense says none of the campuses have been directly related to any of the confirmed cases, but they are being treated preventatively based on the proximity to confirmed cases in the area.

Konawaena High, Konawaena Middle, Konawaena Elementary, Honaunau Elementary, Hookena Elementary, High High, Hilo Intermediate, Waiakea Intermediate, and Waiakea Elementary schools will all undergo the spraying and treatment routine over the coming weekend.

Hawai’i Department of Health officials noted Wednesday that 103 reported potential cases of dengue fever have turned up negative based on test results and potential cases not meeting dengue “criteria.”

Of the 72 confirmed cases, 62 individuals affected are Hawai’i residents, while 10 are visitors.

Nineteen of the cases have involved individuals under the age of 18.

DOH has bumped up the most recent onset of illness date to Nov. 12.

Current spraying operations branched throughout the Kona, Hilo, and Puna areas Wednesday, according to Civil Defense.

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.