#USA, DOH and #CDC Investigate Invasive Group A Streptococcal (#IGAS) Infections in West #Hawaii (April 7 '26)

 

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and Hawaiʻi District Health Office are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate a report of high rates of a serious bacterial infection called invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) in West Hawaiʻi.

This investigation began after a local physician identified a higher-than-expected number of patients with iGAS over a period of several months and informed DOH. 

While DOH routinely monitors these infections, historically Hawaiʻi has had higher rates than the national average. 

This investigation will help determine whether the number of people with iGAS is increasing in West Hawaiʻi and better understand possible causes and risk factors of this infection.

The goals of this investigation are to confirm whether there is an increase in the number of people with iGAS in West Hawaiʻi, identify risk factors, evaluate disease reporting, and better understand how infections may be occurring in the community. 

Investigators will also compare local trends with other areas of the state and analyze laboratory data to identify any patterns among people with iGAS infections.

Group A Streptococcus bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in the throat and often do not cause an infection. 

When infections do occur, they are usually mild illnesses such as strep throat or skin infection. 

In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream or other normally sterile parts of the body. This is called invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS), which can be serious. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective, especially when care is given promptly.

Some people are at higher risk for severe illness. These include older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or respiratory disease and diabetes. People with weakened immune systems, those with open wounds or skin infections — and people experiencing homelessness or who inject drugs may also be at increased risk. 

In addition, recent viral infections such as influenza or chickenpox can increase one’s risk. The specific causes of the elevated iGAS illnesses in West Hawaiʻi are not yet known, so DOH and CDC are investigating.

DOH encourages the public to take simple steps to reduce the risk of infection. 

- Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered until they heal and 

- wash hands regularly with soap and water. 

- Seek medical care if a wound becomes red, swollen, warm, or produces pus. 

- Anyone experiencing fever, severe pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

DOH and CDC are working closely with healthcare providers and community partners and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. At this time, the overall risk to the public is low; however, awareness and early treatment are important to prevent severe iGAS illness.

Source: 

Link: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-and-cdc-investigate-invasive-group-a-streptococcal-igas-infections-in-west-hawai%ca%bbi/

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#USA, #Hawaii: Dept. of Health Closely Monitoring Detection of #H5 Avian #Influenza in Kauai #Wastewater

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HONOLULU — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division has detected H5 avian influenza (bird flu) at very low levels in wastewater samples collected at the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi.

The first detection was from a sample collected on Dec. 11, 2024, that was so low that it was not considered a positive result. 

Samples collected on Dec. 18, 2024 and Jan. 8, 2025 had similar detections. 

While none is considered a positive result, the consistent very low-level detections indicate a high likelihood that H5 bird flu virus is on Kauaʻi. 

No H5 virus infections of birds, dairy cows, or humans have been detected on Kauaʻi to date. 

Detection of infected birds in the state has so far been limited to Oʻahu.

The H5 bird flu viruses include the H5N1 subtype of bird flu virus that has spread globally in birds since its initial discovery in 1996 and recently has been detected in several mammal species including dairy cows. Wastewater testing cannot determine if the detection is specifically this H5N1 subtype of bird flu virus.

The presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus in Hawaiʻi was first confirmed in November 2024 in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oʻahu. That virus strain was a different genotype of the virus that has infected birds and dairy cows on the U.S. mainland. H5 was subsequently detected at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant on Hawaiʻi Island.

While the risk to the public remains low, bird flu can cause severe illness with a high mortality rate among certain bird populations such as poultry. Commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks are strongly advised to increase biosecurity measures to reduce the likelihood of infection. Bird flu can also infect dairy cows. While pasteurized milk is safe, raw milk should be avoided.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) recommends the following for residents that need to remove a dead wild bird from their property:

-- Wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass.

-- Double-bag the carcass and throw it out with the regular trash.

-- Wash your hands and disinfect your clothing and shoes after handling a dead wild bird.

-- Be mindful of any health symptoms that may develop afterward.

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals from any island in the state, contact HDOA Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 or, email: hdoa.ldc@hawaii.gov, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays.

Residents who believe they may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.

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Source: Department of Health, https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-closely-monitoring-detection-of-h5-avian-flu-in-kaua%ca%bbi-wastewater/

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#USA, First #Hawaii #Pediatric #Influenza-Associated #Death of the 2024-2025 Season Recorded

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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 protect your ʻohana and those around you, particularly with gatherings during the holiday season.”

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Source: Department of Health, LINK