Dengue Fever Map Highlights Affected Areas

Hawai’i County Civil Defense released a detailed map outlining areas on the Big Island where confirmed, suspected, and negative cases of dengue fever have been reported.

As of Friday, 88 individuals had been infected with the virus since September.

A number of confirmed cases have been found in many portions of West Hawai’i, stretching from just above Kailua-Kona down to Ho’okena. Cases have also been confirmed in portions of East Hawai’i, as well as in Na’alehu.

Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Friday that Ho’okena Beach Park may remain closed for several more months until mosquitos that are potentially carrying the virus in the area die off.

Suspected dengue fever cases are more spread out, based on the map. Cases under investigation cover much of East and West Hawai’i and also include Ocean View, Na’alehu, Laupahoehoe, and Ninole.

Investigations have found several potential cases of dengue fever to be negative. As of Friday morning, 131 cases of potential dengue had tested negative. Those cases have spread throughout West Hawai’i, as well as in Hawi, Honoka’a, and Waikoloa.

The Civil Defense map uses information from the Hawai’i Department of Health and pins may represent multiple cases, whether confirmed, suspected, or negative.

Residences of suspected and confirmed cases undergo surveying and spraying operations as a precaution against further spread of the virus. Public facilities in nearby areas also undergo the proactive spraying measures.

Several Hawai’i Department of Education campuses are undergoing these preventive operations this weekend.

Spraying and treatment is being conducted at Konawaena Middle and Elementary Schools, Honaunau Elementary, Hookena Elementary, Kealakehe Intermediate, Hilo High, Hilo Intermediate, and Waiakea Intermediate and Elementary Schools on Saturday.

Konawaena High School will undergo the same procedures on Sunday.