HAWAII ISLAND – There have been 153 confirmed cases of locally-acquired dengue fever identified on Hawaii Island, an increase of 4 cases from the previous day. Of the confirmed cases, the state Department of Health says 136 have been Hawaii residents and 17 have been visitors. 120 cases have been adults; 33 have been children 18 years of age and under. All are recovering or have recovered, health officials say. The most recent onset of illness was December 8.

The number of reported potential cases that were excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria also rose from 571 to to 590.

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

Dengue Fever information update
Tuesday, December 15th at 1:45 PM.

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 PM today the Department of Health had reported three additional confirmed cases since yesterday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to date to 149. These cases include 132 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.