#USA, #Hawaii DoH Monitoring #Ebola, #Hantavirus Outbreaks (May 20 '26)

 

    HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is actively monitoring an outbreak of Bundigbugyo virus, a strain of Ebola virus, that is occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.

    On May 16, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the outbreak. 

    This declaration enables the WHO and international public health partners to surge specialized outbreak response resources to the affected countries. 

    The risk of the outbreak to Hawaiʻi is currently very low. 

    However, this is a good reminder to use common sense when traveling internationally to stay healthy. 

    “The recent hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks are reminders of the need to continue to invest in public health and to remain engaged globally,” said Governor Josh Green. “Infectious pathogens don’t recognize borders. The risk to Hawai’i from these outbreaks is very low, but we continue to be vigilant.” 

What is Bundigbugyo virus? 

    Bundigbugyo virus (BDBV) is a strain of the Ebola virus group first identified during an outbreak in the Bundigbugyo District of Uganda in 2007. 

    Like other Ebola viruses, BDBV causes a severe illness called Bundigbugyo Virus Disease (BVD). 

    BVD symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, multi-organ damage and in some cases, hemorrhage or bleeding. 

    The WHO reports BVD is fatal in 30 to 50% of cases. 

    Unlike the Ebola Zaire virus strain, there is currently no licensed vaccine or therapeutic medication for BDBV infection. 

    BDBV is believed to occur naturally in fruit bats that live in Central Africa, with occasional spillover to the human population. 

    BDBV can spread from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. 

Why is the risk for Hawaiʻi considered very low? 

    Human infections of Ebola viruses have rarely occurred outside endemic locations in Africa. 

    Hawaiʻi does not have BDBV naturally occurring in bats or animals. 

    There are also no direct air travel connections between the outbreak area and Hawaiʻi. 

    National and international public health authorities are placing additional traveler screening measures in place in outbreak-affected areas to reduce the likelihood of traveler spread. 

    BDBV transmission between people requires direct contact with body fluids and does not spread through the air by cough like measles or flu. Outbreaks typically occur in locations with low infection controls standards and resources. 

What do I need to know if the risk is very low? 

    First, know that even though the WHO has declared a public health event of international concern, this is not a pandemic and nothing needs to change in our everyday lives due to this outbreak overseas.  

    Second, this outbreak also reminds us of the importance of being an informed and proactive international traveler to stay healthy. 

    The DOH recommends Hawaiʻi residents routinely consult with their healthcare provider well in advance of planned international travel to assess potential health risks and discuss the most appropriate disease prevention measures. 

    The DOH encourages all international travelers to review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health website and review any travel health notices for their destination(s). 

    Travel to international locations with an ongoing outbreak of a severe disease may require additional monitoring and activity restrictions upon return home, as recommended by the CDC and the DOH. 

What is Hawaiʻi DOH doing to monitor the situation? 

    The DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) and Office of Public Health Preparedness (OPHP) work every day to monitor new and emerging public health risks around the globe to protect our community’s health here at home. 

    The DOH is regularly connected with the CDC and the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network for situation updates. BDBV outbreaks can go on for months. The DOH will notify the public if anything changes in the future for our risk assessment here at home.

What about the hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship?

    The DOH also continues to closely monitor an outbreak of Andes virus, a strain of hantavirus, among passengers and crew of the cruise ship MV Hondius. 

    The CDC has confirmed that no Hawaiʻi residents were on the cruise ship. The DOH remains in regular contact with the CDC investigation team, continues to closely monitor developments, and will provide an update should the situation change.

    Andes virus, a type of hantavirus endemic in South America, is the only hantavirus known to spread from person to person, typically through close or prolonged contact in confined settings. 

    Several other New World hantaviruses are endemic to the United States and are not transmissible from person to person. 

    Cases of infections caused by these other hantaviruses, although relatively rare, are seasonal and typically increase in the continental U.S. during the spring and summer as people come into contact with infected rodents.

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Source: 

Link: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-monitoring-ebola-hantavirus-outbreaks/

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#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