New Dengue Fever Case Confirmed

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 23. DOH image.

One new case of dengue fever has been reported by the Hawai’i Department of Health.

As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, the total case count of dengue infected individuals on the Big Island since the September onset of the outbreak was 263.

DOH reports that the case was within a Big Island resident and that the case is still “potentially infectious” to mosquitoes, with an onset of illness of March 17.

An updated map indicating potential risk areas was released on Wednesday. Last week, the map was narrowed down to just three areas on the island listed as “some risk.”

This week, the map re-added Kailua-Kona, as well as several areas north of the town, including Kalaoa, as “some risk” areas. Captain Cook and a location just north are also on the map listed as “some risk” this week.

South of the concentrated “some risk” towns in West Hawai’i, DOH has upgraded the Hookena area to “moderate risk.”

Volcano remains listed as an area of “some risk.”

In total, 237 Big Island residents, along with 26 island visitors, have been infected with the dengue virus. The total number includes 46 individuals under the age of 18.

Since September, 1,517 potential cases of dengue fever have been excluded from the overall confirmed count, including five cases in the past day. Those cases that have been excluded either had test results come back negative for dengue and/or did not meet case criteria.

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.

Hawai’i County 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.