An Aedes aegypti mosquito is pictured here. The mosquito is one of two in Hawai’i known to spread the dengue virus. Hawai’i Department of Health photo.
Five confirmed dengue fever cases on the Big Island remain potentially infectious, as of Friday afternoon.
Hawai’i Department of Health officials note that the confirmed number of individuals to have dengue on the Big Island has risen by another five cases. The rise is the largest number over a 24-hour period in recent weeks and brings the total count since the initial reported case in September to 223.
On Thursday, DOH reported that only two individuals with dengue fever on the Big Island were potentially infectious, just one day after the closure of Waipio Valley. The onset of illness for individuals currently noted to be infectious was between Jan. 6 and Jan. 8.
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A total of 218 cases of dengue fever are no longer infectious. Those cases of dengue had onset of illness dates between Sept. 11 and Jan. 4, according to officials.
Friday’s newly confirmed cases included one additional visitor case and an additional case within someone under the age of 18.
The number of cases excluded from the overall count remains at 893. These cases were excluded based on negative test results and/or not meeting case criteria.
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Community meetings will be held in both Hilo and Kona on a weekly basis through February.
Hilo sessions will take place on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at the State Office Building, located on Aupuni Street. Kona sessions will be held at the same time but at the West Hawai’i Civic Center, Mayor’s Conference Room.
Beginning on Jan. 19, weekly sessions will also be held at Yano Hall in Captain Cook on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m.
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The community meetings will provide updates and answers to questions from the community about the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island, as well as education about the prevalence, transmission, and symptoms of dengue fever, along with outbreak response efforts, how to interpret case counts and maps, and the best ways 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.
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