Three more Big Isle dengue fever cases bump total to 139

Three more confirmed cases of dengue fever have been reported on Hawaii island, the state Department of Health said today.

Of the 139 confirmed cases since an outbreak of the virus began in mid-September, 122 are Hawaii island residents and 17 are visitors. Thirty-one cases involve children; and 108, adults.

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

The Health Department reported negative test results in 424 potential cases of dengue fever.