No New Big Island Dengue Cases Confirmed

Red pins represent confirmed cases of dengue fever, yellow pins represent potential dengue fever cases under investigation, and blue pins represent cases that turned out to be negative. Hawai’i County Civil Defense map, as of Jan. 4.

For the second day in a row, the dengue fever count has remained at 202 confirmed cases.

On Tuesday, the Hawai’i Department of Health announced that an additional nine cases of potential dengue were excluded from the overall count, bringing the total of negative cases to 782. The cases were deemed negative following testing and/or for not meeting case criteria.

Hawai’i County Civil Defense’s newest map continues to outline area of confirmed cases, cases under investigation, and negative case findings.

As of Monday the Civil Defense map showed areas in yellow, or “potential cases” of dengue fever, as Hawi, Honoka’a, Laupahoehoe, Hilo, Kea’au, Mountain View, Pahoa, Naalehu, Kailua-Kona, and Waimea.

Areas that have had confirmed cases, as part of the total 202 individuals infected, include a large portion of the West Hawai’i coastline, Milolii, an area along the Kohala Coast, Pahala, Naalehu, Ocean View, Kalapana, Kea’au, Mountain View, Hilo, Paauilo, and Honoka’a.

Excluded cases are scattered throughout the island.

DOH officials said Tuesday that only three of the 202 confirmed cases remain “potentially infectious,” meaning they could spread the disease if bitten by a mosquito.

Miloli’i Beach Park remains closed and the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources has also closed areas of state lands in the area of Miloli’i and Honomalino to the public excerpt for residents and those deemed “essential.”

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.

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.