Dengue Count Up Another Five

Confirmed cases of dengue fever on the Big Island have risen by five cases over the past 24 hours.

The Hawai’i Department of Health reports Tuesday that the total number of cases has now reached 117 individuals.

Earliest recorded onset of illness remains Sept. 11, and the most recent onset of illness was Nov. 20.

The Big Island outbreak has affected  29 individuals under the age of 18 and classified as “children” by the DOH.

Fourteen Big Island visitors have also been infected with the dengue virus.

As of Tuesday, 277 reported potential cases of dengue have been left out of the case count as testing results came back negative and/or did not meet criteria for a case.

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’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.