One More Dengue Fever Case Confirmed

The dengue fever count on the Big Island has grown by just one in the past 24 hours.

Hawai’i Department of Health officials released numbers Tuesday showing that the confirmed case count of dengue fever on the Big Island is up to 93 from 92 on Monday.

The Tuesday number surpassed the amount of individuals impacted on Maui by the 2001 dengue fever outbreak, which was 92. An additional 26 people during that outbreak were impacted on Oahu, and four more contracted the illness on Kauai.

Of the Big Island’s confirmed cases, 23 have been in individuals under the age of 18, with the most recent onset of illness still at Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Thirteen visitors have also contacted dengue fever.

The number of individuals who have tested negative or who have not met case criteria remains at a total of 143 on Tuesday.

The second round of community meetings will begin Tuesday evening at the Mountain View Elementary School cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.

Additional meetings will run through early December with DOH and Hawai’i County Civil Defense support on the following schedule:

• Friday, Nov. 27, Ocean View Community Center at 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 30, Waimea Middle School Cafeteria at 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 1, Kohala High School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 3, Pahoa High School Cafeteria at 6:30 p.m.

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, joint or muscle paints, headache or pain behind the eyes, and rash.

Those interesting in obtaining general information about the current Big Island dengue fever investigation should call 2-1-1 and talk with Aloha United Way.

Dengue fever brochures are available in Spanish, Samoan, Marshallese, Japanese,Ilokano, Hawaiian, English, Chuuckese, Tongan, and Tagalog.

Anyone who thinks they may have contracted dengue fever on the Big Island should call 933-0912 if they’re located in East Hawai’i or 322-4877 in West Hawai’i. If an individual is currently ill and worried 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.

For more information, visit the DOH website.