Number of Big Isle dengue cases climbs

Five more cases of dengue fever on Hawaii island have been confirmed, the state Department of Health said Wednesday.

Of the 122 confirmed cases since an outbreak of the virus began in mid-September, 106 are Hawaii island residents and 16 are visitors; 93 of the cases involve adults while 29 of the victims are under 18 years old.

The Health Department reported negative test results in 313 potential cases of dengue fever.

Dengue fever is spread by infected mosquitoes, and officials are encouraging residents of Hawaii island to take measures to prevent being bitten by possibly infected mosquitoes.