No new cases of dengue fever were identified Tuesday on the Big Island, health officials report. ADVERTISING No new cases of dengue fever were identified Tuesday on the Big Island, health officials report. However, two of the 256 confirmed cases
No new cases of dengue fever were identified Tuesday on the Big Island, health officials report.
However, two of the 256 confirmed cases remain potentially infectious to mosquitoes, according to the state Department of Health. Of the confirmed cases, 232 are Hawaii Island residents and 24 are visitors; forty-six have been children.
Since the start of the outbreak in September, health officials have excluded 1,221 reported potential cases.
The Kailua-Kona area, spanning from about Keauhou to Honokohau, is the lone area on the island identified as having a high-risk for infection. Areas of South Kona, including Kealakekua, Captain Cook and Honaunau, remain listed as moderate risk areas of infection.
State Department of Health, Civil Defense, Community Emergency Response Teams, and community partners will be in the Kailua Village Wednesday area to speak with residents, visitors and businesses about reducing exposure to dengue. Click here for more details.
Dengue is a virus that is transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito, which can then infect another person. The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to prevent mosquito bites by wearing light colored clothing that minimizes exposed skin, using mosquito repellent, and avoiding activities in areas of high mosquito concentration during the early morning and late afternoon periods, according to officials.
