Big Island Dengue Fever Count up to 210

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 Jan. 6.

Three new cases of dengue fever were confirmed by the Hawai’i Department of Health Thursday, bringing the total number of individuals impacted by the disease since the Big Island outbreak began in October to 210.

DOH officials say the number of individuals currently infectious remains at six, the same number noted on Wednesday.

Individuals listed as infectious could spread the disease by being bitten by additional mosquitoes, who would then become carriers.

So far, the outbreak has impacted 20 visitors to the island and 40 individuals listed as children, or those under the age of 18. One of the newly confirmed cases Thursday impacted an individual in the latter category.

Officials say all of those infected with the disease have either recovered or are recovering.

The number of cases excluded from the overall count has reached 823. This number is an increase of 18 over the past day. Potential cases were deemed negative based on negative test results and/or lack of meeting case criteria.

As of Thursday, the most recent reported onset of illness was Jan. 1.

This week, the Hawai’i County Council voted unanimously in favor of transferring $5,000 in funds from the Clerk-Council Services Contingency Relief account of Council District six to the Hawai’i County Civil Defense Agency. The funds are to be used to provide assistance to the Miloli’i community. Money will be used to purchase materials and supplies that would be used to eliminate breeding mosquitoes and promote the “Fight the Bite” campaign.

A community meeting has been scheduled for the Miloli’i community. The meeting will be held on Jan. 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Miloli’i Beach Park pavilion. Various departments will be present to discuss the current outbreak and measures to “Fight the Bite.”

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 concerned 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.