Dengue Fever Count Rises to 92

As the Big Island tackles the state’s most recent dengue fever outbreak, the confirmed number of cases continue to climb.

Since Friday, the Hawai’i Department of Health has confirmed another four cases of the disease, bringing the total confirmed case count to 92.

The total case count includes all those who have been confirmed to have been infected since the initial onset of illness, listed by DOH as Sept. 11.

Of those cases, 79 have been residents of Hawai’i and another 13 involved visitors.

According to DOH officials, 22 of the individuals who have been impacted by the infection have been under the age of 18.

The most recent onset of illness was last Tuesday, Nov. 17.

State labs confirm that 143 potential cases of dengue fever have come back negative, based on test results and/or not meeting the criteria for a dengue case.

An infection occurs when an infected mosquito bites an individual. That individual can then pass along the virus to other mosquitoes who bite them once infected.

Vector control continues to perform mosquito site assessments and abatement. Spraying operations at several East and West Hawai’i public schools took place over the weekend, as well as continued spraying throughout the island.

Red pins represent confirmed cases of dengue fever, yellow pind represent potential dengue fever cases under investigation and blue pins represent cases that turned out to be negative. Hawai’i County Civil Defense map, as of Nov. 20.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense late last week released a map identifying areas in which cases of dengue fever had either been confirmed, was under investigation, or came back negative.

The map was put together to provide a comprehensive look at communities facing potential risk of dengue infected mosquitoes.

Several areas in West Hawai’i, as well as southern and eastern portions of the island, were areas of confirmed dengue cases.

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.

Dengue fever brochures are now available in Spanish, Samoan, Marshallese, Japanese, Ilokano, Hawaiian, English, Chuuckese, Tongan, and Tagalog.

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.