The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever on the Big Island increased to 56, the Department of Health said Monday.

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The number of confirmed cases of dengue fever on the Big Island increased to 56, the Department of Health said Monday.

Of the confirmed cases, 46 are Big Island residents and 10 are visitors. Fifteen of the cases have been children younger than age 18. The last onset of illness occurred Nov. 7.

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.

The World Health Organization estimates that 50 million to 100 million infections occur yearly and 22,000 deaths, mostly among children.

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.

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There is no specific treatment for dengue fever, according to the state. Simple bed rest and acetaminophen to treat fever and pain are recommended. Drugs that can cause bleeding problems, like ibuprofen and naproxen, are not advised.

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.