DOH: One More Dengue Case Confirmed, Zero Infectious

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.

For the first time since the Hawai’i Department of Health began to identity the potentially infected number of dengue fever cases from the overall case count, there are no current cases on the Big Island.

Although one new case of dengue was confirmed by DOH officials on Tuesday, there are currently no individuals listed as infectious.

The information does not mean that the threat is over, however, as the numbers provided by DOH are the current numbers known at the time of the daily information release. Other cases that are currently being tested, or those in individuals who have not come forward as potentially having the disease, could still be a risk.

In addition, two more cases have been excluded from the overall count, bringing the number of individuals who tested negative or who did not meet case criteria for dengue to 924.

Overall, 224 individuals have been infected with the dengue virus. That number includes 22 visitors to the island and 42 children, identified as those under the age of 18.

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.