Kailua-Kona downgraded to low-risk area for dengue infection

KAILUA-KONA — No new cases of dengue fever were confirmed on Hawaii Island on Wednesday. The Kailua-Kona area, previously deemed the lone area on the island where people were at a high risk for infection, has been downgraded to a low-risk area.

With the downgrade announced Wednesday, just four areas pose a low risk for infection, according to the Department of Health. The identified areas are Kailua-Kona, Kealakekua, Hilo and Keaau.

The state Department of Health said the confirmed case count stands at 260. It has not increased since the last confirmed case on Feb. 24. Of the cases, 235 have been Hawaii Island residents while 25 have been visitors; 46 have been children.

As of Wednesday, state health officials have excluded 1,425 potential cases based on test results and/or not meeting criteria.