Hawaii reports 244 dengue cases
February 3rd, 2016Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can transmit the viruses that cause dengue fever.
The Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) is investigating a cluster of locally-acquired cases of dengue fever on Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Dengue is not endemic to Hawaii. However, it is intermittently imported from endemic areas by infected travelers. This is the first cluster of locally-acquired dengue fever since the 2011 outbreak on Oahu. The Big Island and the rest of Hawaii remain safe destinations for visitors and residents.
As of February 2, 2016*:
Since the last update, HDOH has identified 2 new cases of dengue fever. Currently, as many as 3 of the confirmed cases to date are potentially infectious to mosquitoes. All others are no longer infectious.
| Potentially infectious individuals |
3 | Illness onset 1/23/16 to 1/26/16 |
| Cases no longer infectious |
243 | Illness onset 9/11/15 to 1/21/16 |
| Past and present confirmed cases (Cumulative TOTAL) |
246 | |
Of the confirmed cases, 222 are Hawaii Island residents and 24 are visitors.
201 cases have been adults; 45 have been children (<18 years of age). Onset of illness has ranged between 9/11/15 – 1/25/16.
As of today, a total of 1071 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria.
For Hawaii Island Dengue Fever Unified Command Updates, click HERE. (Updated January 20, 2016)
HDOH continues to routinely monitor for cases of imported dengue infection on ALL islands and will continue to have Vector Control perform mosquito site assessments and abatement as needed. Since the beginning of our current investigation on Hawaii island, thirteen imported dengue fever cases have been confirmed (seven on Oahu, three on Maui, two on Hawaii, 1 visitor), and one imported chikungunya case (on Hawaii) has been confirmed. These cases are not associated with the Hawaii island investigation.