On Friday, the number of confirmed cases of dengue fever remained at 107, with the onset of symptoms ranging from Sept. 11 through Nov. 18.
The total number of infected individuals includes 93 residents and 14 visitors.
Hawai’i County officials say that all of the individuals infected with dengue have recovered or are recovering from the illness.
Investigation
Dengue samples are being tested on a daily basis at the Hawai’i Department of Health’s laboratory on Oahu. The tests are reportedly completed within a 24-hour time frame, Monday through Friday.
Along with the 107 confirmed cases of dengue fever, 238 suspected cases have been excluded as they didn’t meet case criteria or came back positive from testing.
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Vector Control
Since the initial spraying operations conducted earlier in the month, a total of 167 mosquito abatement sprayings have been conducted.
DOH Vector Control has performed the majority of assessments and precautionary actions of spraying at case residences and other areas identified through investigation and potential areas of interest.
Hawai’i County Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Works, and State of Hawai’i Highways Division crews have supplemented DOH’s spraying operations.
Additional training is expected to take place during the upcoming week with staff from Department of Accounting and General Service, Hawai’i Health Systems Corporation, and the University of Hawai’i.
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Hawai’i County Civil Defense is managing complaints of possible mosquito habitats on public property or neighboring areas when an owner cannot be contacted.
Public Meetings
Four public information meetings are scheduled to take place over the next week on the following schedule:
Friday, Nov. 27: Ocean View Community Center, 6 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 30: Waimea Middle School Cafeteria, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 1: Kohala High School Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 3: Pahoa High School Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.
Outreach
Homeless and immigrant populations are being reached out to, according to County officials. Teams, including the Hawai’i County Fire Department Emergency Medical Services and social services personnel, are working in the community to coordinate access to healthcare, educate on preventative measures, and gather suspect case data.
A CDC entomologist and technician will also be on the Big Island next week to provide support to DOH through consultation and mosquito surveillance strategies.
Concerned about dengue fever?
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 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’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.
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