Dengue Fever Count Rises by Five

The Hawai’i Department of Health updated its map of potential areas of dengue fever infection, based on confirmed case information as of Wednesday, Jan. 6. DOH image.

After a five-day freeze in the dengue fever count, the Hawai’i Department of Health reported Wednesday that five new confirmed cases have been added to the overall count of Big Island dengue cases.

As of Tuesday afternoon, that number was at 207. Of the confirmed cases, six individuals are currently listed as “potentially infectious.”

DOH officials say that the additional 201 cases have been within individuals who are no longer able to transmit the disease.

Onset of illness dates range from the initial recorded case dating back to Sept. 11 to the most recent onset on Dec. 31.

In addition to the confirmed cases, a total of 805 individuals have been excluded from the dengue count. These individuals were previously listed on maps as “yellow” suspected cases.

DOH officials say the excluded cases are based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria.

Twenty of the individuals have been visitors to the Big Island, and 39 of the cases have involved children, or those under the age of 18.

On Wednesday, DOH updated its map of areas of potential infection, which included two areas of “high risk” – Captain Cook and Miloli’i –  and two areas of “some risk” in Kailua-Kona and Pahoa.

A community meeting has been scheduled for the Miloli’i community. The meeting will be held on Jan. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Miloli’i Beach Park pavilion. Various departments will be present to discuss the current outbreak and measures to “Fight the Bite.”

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

Those interested 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 are located in East Hawai‘i or 322-4877 in West Hawai‘i. If an individual is currently ill and concerned 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.