Dengue fever case count increases to 167

An additional four cases of dengue fever have been confirmed on the Big Island, bringing the total case count to 167, state health officials said Monday.

Currently, 164 of those 167 cases have been deemed no longer infectious, however, three individuals remain potentially infectious to mosquitoes, officials said. The individuals that remain infectious saw illness onset between Dec. 11 and 13. The last onset of illness occurred Dec. 13.

The case include 149 residents and 18 visitors.

As of Monday, 659 reported cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria.

Dengue fever is a viral illness spread through the bite of mosquitoes. The disease, which does not spread from person to person, occurs mainly in tropical Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. It is most common during the rainy season in areas infested with infected mosquitoes, according to the state DOH. Mosquitoes breed in areas of standing water (such as planters, old tires and pet water bowls).

Symptoms of dengue fever usually start within six days, but can take up to 15 days to appear. They include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, eye, joint, and muscle pain, and a rash that typically appears on the hands, arms, legs and feet within four days of the onset of a fever. These symptoms usually go away within two weeks without medical treatment.

To deter bites, people should take preventative measures like avoiding mosquito-ridden areas. If that is not possible, people should protect themselves with long-sleeve shirts and pants, and bug repellent containing DEET.