The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult visitor to Oʻahu who had received the measles vaccine. The individual arrived from an area in the continental United States where there is ongoing measles transmission. After arriving in Hawaii, the person became ill, sought medical care, and is now recovering at a private residence on Oahu.
According to health officials, members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they were present at certain locations during specified times. These include Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Lāʻie Mormon Temple on Oʻahu, as well as Hilo International Airport, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant on Hawaiʻi Island.
Flight notifications have been sent to relevant airlines and airports involved in the travel route of the confirmed case. The DOH is also contacting individuals known to have come into contact with the patient and will issue a medical advisory for healthcare providers across the state.
Measles is described as highly contagious by health authorities. It spreads through direct contact or through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after a contagious individual leaves an area. People with measles are able to transmit it from four days before developing a rash until four days afterward.
Symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face before spreading.
The best protection against measles is vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Children should receive two doses: one between 12-15 months of age and another at 4-6 years old. Adults born during or after 1957 should have documentation of at least one MMR vaccination unless they have proof of immunity or previous infection. Some adults at higher risk—such as students beyond high school age, international travelers, and healthcare workers—should receive two doses spaced at least four weeks apart.
Those who believe they may have been exposed but are not protected should contact their healthcare provider immediately. If unable to reach a provider promptly, individuals are advised to call either the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 or the Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-8362.
The Hawaii State Executive – Governor supports recovery efforts for communities affected by events such as wildfires and addresses issues including expanding healthcare access and homelessness initiatives (official website). The office also collaborates with various organizations on policies related to renewable energy and climate change (official website).