Dengue Cases Rise, Infection Count Drops

Dengue fever infections on the Big Island increased by three Friday, while the number of individuals who remain infectious sits at four.

Hawai’i Department of Health officials noted that the increase of cases includes one individual classified as a visitor, bringing the total case count of those not from the Big Island to have been infected to 18.

Onset of illness in the cases confirmed by DOH ranges between the initial recorded case on Sept. 11 through this past Sunday.

In total, 34 of the cases have impacted individuals classified as children, or those under the age of 18.

As state laboratories continue to test samples, an additional 17 potential dengue cases were announced as excluded from the count. Individuals excluded either had negative test results or do not meet case criteria.

Since last Friday, the case count rose by 17.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira said earlier this week that the total number of infected individuals is not the focus, as many have already recovered.

This week, DOH began to reorganize the way information is released by providing statistics on currently infected individuals. Since those numbers began to be released, the number has ranged between today’s number of four and seven recorded on Wednesday.

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.