The state Department of Health reported today that the number of confirmed dengue fever cases is now 149 on Hawaii island, up by three since Friday.

The most recent date of illness onset is Dec. 7. The first known date of illness onset is Sept. 11.

Seventeen of the cases involve visitors. The remaining 132 involve Hawaii island residents who have come been confirmed with having had the virus.

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.

As for potential cases excluded by testing or not meeting case criteria, there have been 571 such cases.