Hawaii Island’s dengue fever outbreak now has infected a total of 117 people, according to a Tuesday update from the state Department of Health.
Hawaii Island’s dengue fever outbreak now has infected a total of 117 people, according to a Tuesday update from the state Department of Health.
Of the confirmed cases, 103 are Big Isle residents and 14 are visitors. Eighty-eight cases have been adults and 29 have been children. Onset of illness has ranged between Sept. 11 and Nov. 20.
A total of 277 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results or meeting case criteria.
“HDOH continues to routinely monitor for cases of imported dengue infection on ALL islands and will continue to have Vector Control perform mosquito site assessments and abatement as needed. Since the beginning of our current investigation on Hawaii Island, one imported dengue fever case has been confirmed (on Oahu). This case is not associated with the Hawaii Island investigation,” the update reads.
Meanwhile, the County of Hawaii will host a special meeting at 1 p.m. today to discuss the outbreak.
DOH officials continue to ask residents to remove standing water where mosquitoes breed and dump excess water out of potted plants or toys in the yard.
Taking these precautions could help reduce the chances of the virus spreading to other islands, they said.