Confirmed Dengue Cases Continue to Climb

The dengue fever confirmed case count on the Big Island is up by another four Tuesday to 153 cases.

Hawai’i Department of Health officials also noted that no increase in cases excluded from the count have been added since Monday.

The cases continue to include just 17 visitors, while the remainders of the number, 136 in total, have affected Hawai’i residents.

Thirty-three individuals listed as children are also included in that number.

All cases of confirmed dengue have recovered or are recovering.

As of Monday afternoon, 296 mosquito abatement spraying have been conducted since the beginning of the outbreak, in addition to the trapping and studying of mosquitoes and larvae at various locations on the island to determine prevalent mosquito types and preferred breeding habitats.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense released a new map on Tuesday showing areas of high concentration of confirmed dengue cases. These areas include West Hawai’i, from Kailua-Kona, down to Milolii, Hilo, and Puna. Additional cases of dengue have been confirmed in Paauilo, Ocean View, Naalehu, and Pahala.

Other areas noted on the map include suspected cases of dengue. Those areas include Honoka’a, Laupahoehoe, Hilo, Puna, Kailua-Kona, and Naalehu.

Civil Defense also continues to include representations of cases that have been excluded from the count as negative case findings across the island.

Areas of South Kona and Puna underwent spraying operations on Tuesday.

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.