DOH Releases New Map as Dengue Count Rises

After no confirmed cases of Big Island dengue fever on Tuesday, the number of cases rose by six on Wednesday, with the most recent onset of illness listed as Dec. 3.

The Hawai’i Department of Health reported 145 confirmed cases.

Another 25 individuals were excluded from the count over the past 24 hours with either negative test results or a lack of meeting case criteria, bringing the total number of excluded cases to 477.

A total of 128 of those infected with the dengue virus are Hawai’i residents, while the additional 17 are visitors. The count of infected visitors has remained at 17 since last Friday, Dec. 4.

DOH released an updated map Wednesday including areas of potential risk. The only area on the Big Island on the map to be in the “red zone,” or at “high risk,” is the Captain Cook area of West Hawai’i.

“Moderate risk” areas include Kailua-Kona, Naalehu, Pahoa, Hawaiian Beaches, and the Leilani/Kapoho areas of the island.

Ocean View, Milolii, Hookena, Kaloloa, Waikoloa, areas along the Kohala Coast, Hawi, Waimea, Laupahoehoe, Hilo, Mountain View, and Volcano are being listed as areas with “some risk.”

According to DOH, the areas are determined based on where infected individuals may have contracted dengue fever, as well as the number of confirmed cases where individuals may have visited the areas and observed mosquito activity.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense announced Wednesday afternoon that spraying operations are being conducted in South Kona and Puna throughout the day.

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, joint or muscle paints, 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.