Dengue Count Increases, Only Three ‘Infectious’

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. 22.

Confirmed cases of dengue fever on the Big Island have risen by another three, bringing the total case count to 170 since the initial case reported in October, with an onset dating back to September.

For nearly a week, the case count has climbed by three each day, while the Hawai’i Department of Health said Tuesday that out of the 170 confirmed cases, only three are “potentially infectious” at the current time.

The number of individuals who may be infectious does not include those who may be infected but have pending cases.

Officials report that the most recent onset of illness was last Monday, Dec. 14.

Since the breakout began, 670 individuals have had test results come back negative. Eleven of those negative cases were in the past day.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense released a new map Tuesday outlining cases throughout Big Island communities.

Areas with confirmed cases include a large majority of the western portion of the island, Paauilo, Hilo, Puna, Pahala, Naalehu, and Ocean View.

Suspected cases still under investigation, include Hawi, Honoka’a, Laupahoehoe, Kea’au, portions of Puna, Naalehu, and just above Kailua-Kona.

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.