Dengue fever case count reaches 72

The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever on the Big Island rose to 72, the Department of Health said Wednesday.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 72 cases of dengue fever have been confirmed on the Big Island, health officials said. Of the confirmed cases, 62 are Big Island residents and 10 are visitors. Nineteen of the cases have been children younger than age 18. The last onset of illness occurred Nov. 12.

As of Wednesday, 103 potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria, officials said.

Just one imported dengue fever case has been confirmed on Oahu, and the case was determined not to be associated with the Hawaii Island outbreak.

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.

To report a suspect case, call 322-4877 in West Hawaii and 933-0912 in Wast Hawaii. To report mosquito concerns, call 322-1513 in West Hawaii and 974-6010 in East Hawaii.