Dengue cases pass 200 mark

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Seven new confirmed cases of dengue fever have pushed Hawaii Island’s total number past the 200 mark.

Seven new confirmed cases of dengue fever have pushed Hawaii Island’s total number past the 200 mark.

As of Jan. 1, there have been 202 cases reported since the initial onset on Sept. 11, and 765 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results.

According to the most recent update from the state Department of Health, 13 of the individuals remained potentially infectious to mosquitos, with illness onset between Dec. 22 and Dec. 27.

The DOH began to spray and treat areas considered high risk for contracting the virus, which include Milolii, Captain Cook and Hookena.

As of Dec. 30, Pahoa and Kailua-Kona were considered areas of moderate risk.

On Thursday, an application period for two new workers with the DOH’s Big Island Vector Control offices closed. County workers have also been trained to spray for mosquitos.

Of the confirmed dengue cases, 182 individuals are Hawaii Island residents and 20 are visitors.