Big Island Dengue Fever Cases Hold at 263

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.

The confirmed count of dengue fever cases on the Big Island remains at 263 on Tuesday.

No new cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been reported on the Big Island, according to the Hawai’i Department of Health.

Currently, no cases are “potentially infectious” to mosquitoes.

In total, 237 Big Island residents have contracted the dengue virus, along with 26 Big Island visitors. All cases have recovered from the illness.

Since the onset of the dengue outbreak on the Big Island in September, 1,541 potential cases have been excluded from the overall count, including four in the past day. These cases include individuals who tested negative 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.