Risk Areas Continue to Decrease on DOH Dengue Map

The Hawai’i Department of Health updated its map of potential areas of dengue fever infection, based on confirmed case information as of Wednesday, March 9 DOH image.

It has been two weeks since the last Big Island dengue fever case was confirmed.

During the same time period, 112 potential cases have been excluded from the count, including five in the past 24 hours. Since the beginning of the outbreak 1,425 cases have been determined to be negative.

No cases have been listed as “potentially infectious” and at risk of infecting mosquitoes and furthering the outbreak since Feb. 23, one day before the most recent confirmed case.

The latest onset of illness was on Feb. 13.

In total, 260 dengue fever cases have been confirmed on the Big Island since last September when the outbreak began. The number includes 235 Big Island residents and 25 visitors.

On Wednesday, the Hawai’i Department of Health issued its latest dengue fever mapping of island risk levels.

Kailua-Kona, listed as being at “moderate risk” last week, was downgraded to a “low risk” level, and three additional areas also noted as “low risk” remained on the list this week with the same classification. Those areas include Captain Cook, Hilo, and Kea’au.

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.