Risk Areas Decrease on DOH Dengue Map

The Hawai’i Department of Health updated its map of potential areas of dengue fever infection, based on confirmed case information as of Wednesday, March 2. DOH image.

It has been one week since a new dengue fever case has been confirmed by the Hawai’i Department of Health.

Currently, the confirmed dengue case count sits at 260 with no “potentially infectious” cases since Feb. 24.

DOH released a new risk area map on Wednesday, showing the southern third of the island from just South of Captain Cook, wrapping around east to Pahoa, with no risk level.

One week ago, Kailua-Kona remained on the map with a high risk level. That designation has been downgraded to “moderate risk” and is the sole area on the Big Island at that risk-level.

Scattered “some risk” areas remain on the map, however, the number of those areas dropped from 18 to about 10 in the past week.

The most recent onset of dengue illness was on Feb. 13, according to DOH. In total, the outbreak has affected 235 Big Island residents and 25 visitors.

A total of 1,349 potential dengue cases have been excluded from the overall count since the outbreak began. This includes nine in the past 24 hours.

DOH, Hawai’i County Civil Defense, Community Response Teams, and community partners began door-to-door dengue education outreach in Kailua-Kona on Feb. 17. The outreach efforts have continued.

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.

Civil Defense suggests the following to aid in reducing potential mosquito breeding areas around homes and businesses:

• Remove or eliminate standing water that provides sources for mosquito breeding such as buckets or puddles.
• Fix leaky faucets and outdoor hoses that are dripping water.
• Treat bromeliads and other plants that hold water with a larvacide or chlorine bleach solution.
• Clean gutters to allow water to drain freely.
• Repair screens and windows to help keep mosquitoes out.
• Dispose of old tires at no charge at county transfer stations islandwide.

Mosquito concerns should be reported to 974-6010 in East Hawai‘i or 322-1513 in West Hawai‘i.