The state Department of Health said Monday that three more confirmed cases of dengue fever have been reported on Hawaii island, bringing the total to 139 confirmed cases there since an outbreak of the virus began in mid-September.

Of the total, 122 are Big Island residents and 17 are visitors. Thirty-one cases involve children, and 108 of the patients are adults.

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

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

State reforestation effort on Kauai honored

The U.S. Forest Service has recognized the Kokee Forest Restoration and Recovery Project on Kauai with the 2015 Western Regional Forester’s Honor Award.

The state Division of Forestry and Wildlife project is attempting to reforest nearly 1,000 acres of burnt eucalyptus and pine plantations using koa and other native trees and plants, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Three brush fires that occurred in the summer of 2012 scorched 1,000 acres of the Kokee forest and 2,000 acres of brush land.

As part of the project, crews are removing approximately 6,000 tons of non-native trees that were burned during the fires, DLNR said.

The ground is being prepared for the planting of thousands of native koa seedlings that are being raised at Native Nursery LLC on Maui. The seedlings will be planted in burnt areas early next year and tended to until they reach maturity, DLNR said.

Public asked to help locate stolen bicycles

Hawaii island police are asking for the public’s help in finding three bicycles that were taken from an open carport of a Hilo house sometime between Friday and Saturday.

The bikes are described as a red-and-white Stockli, a black-and-white BMC Streetfire SS01 and a blue-and-white Specialized Dolce. The combined value of the bicycles is $4,700.

Police ask anyone with information about the location of the bicycles or the persons who took them to call officer Patrick Kihara at 961-2213 or the Police Department’snonemergency line at 935-3311.