An investigation by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has identified a potential exposure to avian influenza for attendees of the Mililani Pet Fair, which took place on November 2, 2024. The investigation followed confirmation of H5N1 avian influenza in a backyard flock in Central Oʻahu.
Birds from the infected flock were present at the fair, but signs of infection appeared only several days after the event. As a result, officials state that "the likelihood of spreading H5N1 to humans is low." However, DOH advises those who attended and interacted with ducks or geese to monitor for symptoms such as influenza-like illness (ILI) and conjunctivitis.
The DOH reassures individuals without symptoms that they can be confident in their health status. Symptoms related to avian influenza typically manifest within two to five days post-exposure but may take up to ten days in some cases. Common symptoms are generally mild and include those typical of bird flu infections.
For those affected, antiviral medications are available for treatment.