Categorized | Dengue Fever, Health

Dengue Fever cases rises to 38, info meeting in Honokaa tonight (Nov 13)

The State Department of Health continues to work with other state and county agencies on the issue of the Dengue Fever outbreak. As of 12 noon Friday (Nov 13) the Department of Health has reported 38 confirmed cases originating on Hawaii Island. These cases include 30 residents and 8 visitors.

Dengue fever is a virus that is transmitted or spread by infected mosquitoes and is not transmitted directly from person to person. Dengue Fever is not endemic or common to Hawaii and the source or origin of this outbreak is likely due to an introduction of the virus by a person who may have contracted the virus while in another area of the world and who became infectious while in Hawaii.

Because the only mode or method of transmission is through mosquito bites there are actions being taken to reduce the risks and include the spraying or treating of areas of high mosquito presence that are also areas of possible contact with infected people. This includes areas around residents of confirmed cases.

Although spraying or treating of areas is ongoing, the most effective method of reducing the spread and possibly eliminating Dengue is to minimize or prevent the possibility of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Wearing clothing that minimizes exposed skin, use of mosquito repellant and avoiding 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.

Public Information Meetings on Dengue Fever will be held at the following locations:

  • Tonight November 13th at the Honokaa High Cafeteria
  • Monday November 16th at the Hilo High Cafeteria
  • Tuesday November 17th at the Keaau High Cafeteria

All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. each evening and the community is encouraged to attend.

Confirmed Dengue Fever Cases as of November 13, 2015
Hawaii Island Residents30
Visitors8
Confirmed cases, TOTAL38

Of the confirmed cases, 30 are Hawaii residents and 8 are visitors.
32 cases have been adults; six have been children (less than 18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between September 11, 2015 – November 2, 2015.

For additional information on dengue fever and preventing the spread of the dengue fever please go to the Hawaii State Department of Health website at health.hawaii.gov or call the Department of Health at (808) 974-4000 extension 68362.

Note that the total number of area visits is higher than the confirmed cases. The numbers indicate how many confirmed people visited each area.

Note that the total number of area visits is higher than the confirmed cases. The numbers indicate how many confirmed people visited each area.

Schematic depiction of the symptoms of dengue fever

Schematic depiction of the symptoms of dengue fever

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