Big Island Dengue Count Increases by Another Two Cases

The Hawai’i Department of Health updated its map of potential areas of dengue fever infection, based on confirmed case information as of Wednesday, Feb. 3. DOH image.

Another two confirmed cases of dengue fever were added to the Big Island outbreak’s total on Wednesday.

Since Monday, the confirmed case number of individuals infected with dengue has increased daily by two. The total number of confirmed cases in the outbreak’s entirety is 248.

Hawai’i Department of Health officials continue to list three individuals, with illness onset between Jan. 23 and Jan. 28, as “potentially infectious.”

The newly confirmed cases appear to be within residents of the Big Island as the count of visitor infections remained at 24.

So far, the outbreak has impacted 224 residents of the island and a total of 45 individuals under the age of 18.

DOH’s latest map, released Wednesday, continues to show two Big Island areas as “high risk” locations. Captain Cook and Kailua Kona can be viewed on the map in red. The Keauhou area of West Hawai’i, however, has been singled out on the map as being at a “moderate risk,” seen in orange.

Various areas around the island remain at “some risk,” highlighted by yellow on the map.

As of Wednesday, 1,087 individuals have been excluded from the dengue count. This includes individuals who have tested negative for dengue, as well as those who did not meet case criteria.

On Thursday, Feb. 4, a community meeting regarding the outbreak will take place at Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park’s Amphitheater.

The community update will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will include presentations by the Office of Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi, Hawai’i County Civil Defense, Hawai’i Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Geological Survey, and National Park Service.

Community meetings are being held through the month of February on a weekly basis in both East and West Hawai’i.

Hilo sessions take place on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. at the State Office Building, located on Aupuni Street. Kona sessions are held at the same time, but at the West Hawai’i Civic Center, Mayor’s Conference Room.

Tuesday sessions are being held at Yano Hall in Captain Cook, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

The community meetings provide updates and answers to questions from the community about the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island, as well as education about the prevalence, transmission, and symptoms of dengue fever, along with outbreak response efforts, how to interpret case counts and maps, and the best ways to “Fight the Bite.”

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.