Confirmed Dengue Count at 112

The Big Island dengue count has reached 112, up five cases since Thursday.

Monday’s number comes from the Hawai’i Department of Health and includes 98 residents and 14 visitors.

DOH officials say the most recent onset of illness was Nov. 20.

A total of 262 cases have been excluded from the confirmed dengue count based on negative test results and not meeting case criteria.

Spraying operations by Vector Control personnel are being conducted in the South Kona, Hilo, Puna and Ka’u areas Monday. These spraying procedures are acting as a preventative measure in areas known to have high mosquito populations.

A total of 194 mosquito abatement spraying have been conducted since the beginning of the outbreak, according to Hawai’i County officials.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense is taking complaints of potential mosquito habitats on public or private property where owners are not in easy contact. A total of 50 complaints have been received and are being addressed by Civil Defense, Community Emergency Response Team, and DOH personnel.

In addition, community meetings continue this week, beginning Monday night at Waimea Middle School, Tuesday at Kohala High School and Thursday at Pahoa High School. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m., with the exception of the Waimea meeting, which begins 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 fever 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.

In the video below, a DOH epidemiology specialist and field investigator gives an overview of the steps taken in a dengue fever investigation.

DOH video.