Dengue Fever Cases Reach 149

Dengue fever on the Big Island has reached a total of 149 confirmed cases, as of Monday afternoon.

The Hawai’i Department of Health added the three additional cases to Friday’s numbers, bringing the count to what many media outlets are calling the largest dengue outbreak in the United States in recent decades at 149 cases.

Monday’s number included 132 individuals who are listed as Hawai’i residents and 33 who are listed as children, or those under the age of 18.

The number of confirmed dengue cases has slowed over the past calendar week, with an addition of just ten cases, when the count was 139.

Fifteen cases since Friday have been excluded from the count. DOH officials say these individuals either had tests come back negative or did not meet case criteria. Since the beginning of the outbreak, 571 individuals who were suspected of having dengue have been excluded from the count.

DOH officials say the most recent onset of illness was on Dec. 7. The initial recorded cases of dengue remains Sept. 11.

Symptoms of dengue fever include fever, joint or muscle paints, 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’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.