The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is currently investigating the origins of H5 avian influenza, detected for the first time at a wastewater sampling site on Oʻahu. The specimen was collected on November 7, 2024, with results confirmed by DOH today.
Routine wastewater sampling is conducted across Hawaiʻi to monitor infectious diseases, including avian influenza. While the detection suggests further investigation is needed to determine if it relates to H5N1, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), this cannot be confirmed through wastewater testing alone. This finding serves as a prompt for more detailed examination and reinforces the need for preventive measures, especially for those at higher risk of exposure.
H5N1 has been spreading among birds and mammals across the nation. Human cases have been reported in individuals working closely with infected animals. However, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission in the United States. Until now, Hawaiʻi was the only state without any H5N1 avian influenza cases detected in birds or animals. There are still no reports of human or animal H5N1 cases in Hawaiʻi, and officials maintain that the overall risk to residents remains low.
DOH will continue collaborating with federal agriculture and wildlife partners to support further investigation, prevention strategies, and public health surveillance efforts.
Although the current risk to residents is low, DOH advises people to adhere to best practices when interacting with animals or consuming animal products:
Residents should contact the Department of Health immediately at 808-586-4586 if they develop symptoms of avian influenza after close contact with sick or dead animals. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, and conjunctivitis. Antiviral flu treatment is available and recommended promptly for those suspected or confirmed to have an avian influenza infection.
Additional information resources are available through Avian Influenza | Disease Outbreak Control Division and Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People | Bird Flu | CDC.