• CASE COUNT: There are 136 confirmed cases of locally-acquired dengue fever on Hawaii Island, an increase of six cases since yesterday’s update. The health department says that of the confirmed cases, 119 are Hawaii Island residents and 17 are visitors. 106 cases have been adults; 30 have been children under 18 years of age. The most recent onset of illness was on November 28. As of today, a total of 369 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria.
• CDC: Dr. Lyle Petersen, director of the CDC Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, is leaving the Big Island today after spending the week on the island to assess efforts and share his analysis with officials. A CDC entomologist and technician will remain on site and are anticipated to be here for two weeks. Dr. Peterson said during a press conference held on Thursday that the state/county response to the outbreak has been “timely, well considered and appropriate”.
• SPRAYING: The Department of Health is conducting spraying in various areas of South Kona and Puna today, civil defense reports.

Dengue Fever information update

The State Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of 1:00 today the Department of Health had reported 136 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 119 residents and 17 visitors.

Dengue fever is a virus that is transmitted or spread by infected mosquitoes and not directly from person to person. Dengue Fever is not endemic or common to Hawaii. It was likely introduced by a person who contracted the virus in another area of the world and became infectious while in Hawaii.

Because dengue fever is only transmitted by mosquitoes, the Department of Health is spraying and treating areas with high mosquito presence and confirmed cases. The Department of Health is conducting spraying in various areas of South Kona and Puna today.

Although spraying and treatment of areas is ongoing, the most effective method to reduce the spread and eliminate Dengue is to fight the bite. Minimize or prevent the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito by wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use mosquito repellant and avoid activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods when mosquito activity is greatest.

In addition, persons feeling ill and having a fever should remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes.

For additional information on Dengue Fever and preventing the spread of Dengue Fever, go to health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at 974-6001. Everyone’s help and assistance with this outbreak is much needed and appreciated.

LATEST NEWS: The Hawaii Island dengue fever outbreak