Confirmed cases of dengue fever on the Big Island have risen to 122, as of Wednesday afternoon.
The number is an increase of five cases over the past 24 hours. The Hawai’i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division continues to test samples daily. The turnaround time is generally within 24 hours.
According to DOH, the most recent onset of illness is Nov. 24 and the initial recorded onset of illness on record remains as Sept. 11.
A total of 313 suspected potential cases of dengue fever have been excluded from the confirmed totals as DOH disease investigators and/or testing results have found negative signs of a connection between symptoms and the disease.
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DOH released an updated map on Wednesday, including areas of high, moderate, and some risk.
Wednesday’s map shows the only “high risk” listed area as the Captain Cook portion of the island. Moderate risk locations spanned from the Puna, Mountain View, and Hilo areas to locations in Kailua-Kona and Naalehu.
“Some risk” was identified in areas including Volcano, Ocean View, Milolii, Kalaoa, Ho’okena, Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, and Laupahoehoe.
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Dr. Lyle Peterson, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, is on the Big Island this week as dengue control efforts are being evaluated. Dr. Peterson, who is a CDC entomologist and technician, is also providing consultation and assistance on mosquito surveillance strategies to DOH.
County officials say that over 100 property assessments have been conducted as a precautionary action at case residences and other areas that have been identified as potential areas of concern.
In addition, over 200 mosquito abatement sprayings have been conducted.
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Hawai’i County Civil Defense reports that spraying continued in South Kona and Puna Wednesday.
The final scheduled community meeting, held in coordination between Hawai’i County Civil Defense and DOH, will take place Thursday evening at the Pahoa High School cafeteria. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Of the 122 confirmed dengue cases, DOH officials report that 16 are visitors and 29 have involved individuals under the age of 18.
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