Three Dengue Cases ‘Infectious,’ Count Holds at 223

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.

Three people infected with the dengue virus on the Big Island remain “potentially infectious” on Monday.

Hawai’i Department of Health officials noted that no new cases have been confirmed since Friday’s count of 223 total cases of dengue fever.

A total of 220 of those cases were within individuals who are no longer infectious.

Monday’s dengue numbers included a total of 922 individuals excluded from the overall dengue count after being determined through testing and/or case information to not be infected with dengue. That number includes 29 individuals added to the exclusion number since Friday afternoon.

The three individuals listed as “potentially infectious” are said to have an illness onset date of Jan. 11.

Wai’pio Valley was closed last week as a precaution against the spread of dengue fever. On Friday, the Department of Land and Natural Resources closed Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Campground, which are accessible only through Waipio Valley.

Officials have said that two cases of dengue have been confirmed in the Waipio Valley area.

The closure of Wai’pio Valley was the first in East Hawai’i and the third closure island-wide, including Hookena Beach Park and Milolii.

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.

Tuesday sessions will be held at Yano Hall in Captain Cook beginning at 12:30 p.m.

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.