Dengue Case Count Remains at 260

An Aedes aegypti mosquito is pictured here. The mosquito is one of two in Hawai’i known to spread the dengue virus. Hawai’i Department of Health photo.

No new cases of dengue fever were confirmed on Friday.

It has over a week since the last case was confirmed on Feb. 24, leaving the total number of confirmed cases at 260.

Hawai’i Department of Health officials also continue to list no “potentially infectious” dengue cases, meaning there are no known individuals who could be infecting mosquitoes.

The last onset of illness was Feb. 13. In total, 235 Big Island residents have been infected with the disease since its September onset. Twenty-five visitors were also infected. The total number includes 46 people under the age of 18.

In total, 1,391 potential cases have been excluded from the count. This number includes 17 in the past day and 51 since Monday.

DOH, Hawai’i County Civil Defense, Community Response Teams, and community partners began door-to-door dengue education outreach in Kailua-Kona on Feb. 17. The outreach efforts have continued.

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.

Civil Defense suggests the following to aid in reducing potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses:

• Remove or eliminate standing water that provides sources for mosquito breeding such as buckets or puddles.
• Fix leaky faucets and outdoor hoses that are dripping water.
• Treat bromeliads and other plants that hold water with a larvacide or chlorine bleach solution.
• Clean gutters to allow water to drain freely.
• Repair screens and windows to help keep mosquitoes out.
• Dispose of old tires at no charge at county transfer stations islandwide.

Mosquito concerns should be reported to 974-6010 in East Hawai‘i or 322-1513 in West Hawai‘i.