Active Dengue Cases Drop to Five

The Hawai’i Department of Health is currently monitoring five active cases of dengue fever on the Big Island.

Thursday’s active number is two less than what was reported the day prior and contributes to a total of 160 overall confirmed dengue cases from the initial onset in September through cases in early December.

Of the 160 confirmed cases of dengue, DOH officials report that 143 have involved Big Island residents, while 17 affected visitors to the island. Thirty four of the infections were in those under the age of 18.

DOH reports that the number of individuals who have been excluded from the count rests at 627 cases. This number is up by 12 since Wednesday and includes those who had test results come back as negative or who did not meet dengue case criteria.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said Wednesday that the community’s help in battling the outbreak is still a crucial part of the county and state’s plan to fight the spread of dengue.

As part of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s suggestions for continued outreach, Risk Reduction teams made up of Civil Defense Community Emergency Response Team and DOH personnel have assisted in investigating complaints and identifying appropriate corrective action when it comes to mosquito habitats on public property and on properties neighboring confirmed dengue cases.

Oliveira said that the public’s assistance with mosquito control is necessary, especially in those instances where personnel attempt to make contact with property owners but do not receive response.

“In many cases, the people that come home don’t necessarily follow up with the Department of Health, and we’re asking for their help,” Oliveira said.

Red pins represent confirmed cases of dengue fever, yellow pins represent potential dengue fever cases under investigation and blue pins represent cases that turned out to be negative. Hawai’i County Civil Defense map, as of Dec. 17.

Civil Defense released a new map of confirmed, suspect and negative cases on Thursday. The map continues to show a high concentration of confirmed cases along the West coast of the island, from just above Kailua-Kona to Milolii, as well as in Hilo and areas of Puna, Paauilo, Ocean View, Naalehu, and Pahala.

Suspect cases that are currently under investigation span many of those same areas and include Kailua-Kona, Honaunau, Hilo, Honoka’a, Laupahoehoe, Puna, Pahoa, Hawi, Naalehu, Ocean View, and Mountian View.

Over the past seven days an additional 15 cases were added to the confirmed count. In addition, 112 cases have been deemed negative as a result of negative results or lack of meeting case criteria.

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 are 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.