6 new cases of dengue fever confirmed

State health officials identified six new cases of dengue fever Thursday, bringing the total number on Hawaii island to 230.

Meanwhile, an entomology team from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is returning to Hawaii this week to continue working with the state Department of Health on mosquito surveillance in the Kona area.

The team is expected to examine current and historic data to help map, trap and identify mosquitoes that may be carrying the dengue virus, officials said.

In related news, the state has received a donation of 3,000 mosquito traps from SpringStar Inc., a manufacturer of nontoxic pest control products in Washington state.

The traps, which are being considered as a potential mosquito abatement alternative for organic farmers, will be used in selected hot spots, including Milolii, officials said.

Of the six new cases, three are potentially infectious, officials said.

Overall, 208 of the confirmed cases are Hawaii island residents, and 22 are visitors, with an onset of illness ranging from Sept. 11 to Jan. 16.

This is the first cluster of locally acquired dengue fever since the 2011 outbreak on Oahu. According to the Health Department, 188 of the victims in 2011 were adults, while 42 were children.

In addition to the confirmed cases, 962 suspected cases have been excluded based on the investigation or negative test results, officials said.

State health officials are continuing to hold weekly community meetings in Kona and Hilo to provide updates and answer questions about dengue.

The schedule:

>>> Hilo: 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at State Office Building, Rooms A/B/C, 75 Aupuni St.

>>> Kailua-Kona: 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway

>>> Captain Cook: 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Yano Hall, 82-6165 Mamalahoa Highway

The Hamakua-Kohala Health Center is hosting a meeting for the Honokaa community today at 6 p.m. at the North Hawaii Education and Research Center. State and county officials will provide an update on the response in Waipio Valley.

The Waipio Valley Access Road and valley region remains closed, and access is limited to Waipio Valley residents only until further notice.

Hookena and Milolii beach parks remain closed until further notice.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has also closed state lands near Milolii and Honomalino to all except essential personnel and residents of the areas.