No New Dengue Cases Confirmed by DOH

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.

The Hawai’i Department of Health did not confirm any new cases of dengue fever on Tuesday, leaving the count at 263 on the Big Island.

There have been no new cases of dengue confirmed on the Big Island since March 24 and no cases that have been infectious since March 17, according to DOH officials.

Since the onset of the September 2015 dengue outbreak, 1,626 potential cases have been excluded. Cases excluded either had laboratory testing that came back negative and/or did not meet case criteria.

Of the 1,626 excluded cases, two have been within the past day and 25 have been in the past seven days.

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.

Hawai’i County 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.