ETIDIOH - NEW

Abstract Following confirmation of the first case of the ongoing U.S. HPAI H5N1 epizootic in commercial poultry on February 8, 2022, the virus has continued to devastate the U.S. poultry sector and the pathogen has since managed to cross over to livestock and a few human cases have also been reported. Efficient outbreak management benefits greatly from timely detection and proper identification of the pathways of virus introduction and spread. In this study, we used changes in mortality rates as a proxy for HPAI incidence in a layer, broiler and turkey flock together with diagnostic test results to infer within-flock HPAI transmission dynamics. Mathematical modeling techniques, specifically the Approximate Bayesian Computation algorithm in conjunction with a stochastic within-flock HPAI transmission model were used in the analysis. The time window of HPAI virus introduction into the flock (TOI) and the adequate contact rate (ACR) were estimated. Then, using the estimated TOI together w...

 {Excerpt} HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) announced today the first influenza-associated death in a Hawaiʻi resident under the age of 18 during this influenza, or flu season.  This child was a Hawaiʻi County resident with underlying medical conditions .  While specimens were not available for subtyping beyond the positive influenza result, medical and exposure history pointed to seasonal influenza as the most likely cause of illness.  This case is not believed to be associated with the recent wastewater detection of H5 in Hilo .  Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further information about the child is being released. “It is always a tragedy to lose any life, and we all feel it even more deeply when it is one of our keiki,” said DOH Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. “Seasonal influenza remains a significant health concern. If you or your loved ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, I hope you will consider doing so to help prote...