Big Island Dengue Fever Count at 38

The dengue fever count on the Big Island continues to rise with four new confirmed cases.

On Friday, Hawai’i Department of Health officials say a total of 38 individuals had been infected by dengue fever on the Big Island.

Four cases were confirmed over the past 24 hours after a week of highs and lows. On Wednesday, no new cases had been confirmed, and by Thursday, only one additional case was added to the list on impacted individuals.

This Hawai’i Department of Health image shows where individuals who contracted dengue fever visited, as of Nov. 12. DOH image.

Most of the cases have been in adults, however, six were in children identified as under the age of 18.

Onset of illness remains in the time bracket of Sept. 11 and Nov. 2

DOH officials continue to say on its website that Vector Control will continue to perform mosquito assessments and abatement, as needed.

Community meetings regarding dengue fever were held throughout the week in Captain Cook, Naalehu, and in Kealakekua. A meeting will be held Friday evening at Honoka’a High School, and two more will follow next week. On Monday, officials will host a meeting at Hilo High School and Kea’au High School will host the last scheduled meeting on Tuesday. All community meetings are taking place in each school’s cafeteria and will begin at 6 p.m.

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

Those interesting in obtaining general information about the current Big Island dengue 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’re located in East Hawai’i or 322-4877 in West Hawai’i. If an individual is currently ill and worried 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.