Dengue fever case count reaches 136

An additional six cases of dengue fever were confirmed on the Big Island Friday bringing the official case count to 136, the state Department of Health reports.

Hawaii Island residents continue to account for the majority of confirmed dengue fever cases on the island. As of Friday, 119 of the cases were residents while 17 were visitors.

As the confirmed case count continues to rise, so does the number of potential cases excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria. Thus far, officials have excluded 369 cases, up 60 percent from 230 just over a week ago on Nov. 26. During the same period, the number of cases rose from 107 to 136, a 27 percent increase.

Hawaii County Civil Defense on Friday said the Department of Health was conducting spraying in various areas of South Kona and Puna. Based on the agency’s most recent case map, the majority of confirmed cases are located in those areas.

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

Those who feel ill and have a fever should remain indoors to prevent the possibility of being bitten and infecting mosquitoes, Civil Defense said.

To report a suspect case, call 322-4880 in West Hawaii and 974-6001 in East Hawaii. To report mosquito concerns, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.