The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is currently investigating human contacts related to a flock infected with the H5N1 virus. As of now, no human cases of avian influenza have been reported in Hawaiʻi.
A total of 54 individuals have been examined for possible exposure. Among them, 34 were offered testing due to unprotected exposure or the development of respiratory symptoms within ten days after contact with the birds. Twenty-nine people agreed to be tested; these included 13 who showed at least one symptom of respiratory infection and 16 who were asymptomatic. All individuals considered to have very high-risk exposure, such as prolonged direct contact with visibly sick, dying, or dead birds, consented to testing.
Testing was conducted using swabs from the nasopharynx, nose, throat, and/or conjunctiva, analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the State Laboratories Division. Results for all 29 tested individuals came back negative for avian influenza. Two symptomatic individuals tested positive for common cold viruses.
The investigation continues into potential exposures at the Mililani Pet Fair on November 2nd. At least four people whose only exposure occurred there have been tested for avian influenza, with all results returning negative. Further investigation outcomes will be shared as they become available.
The DOH has collaborated with the U.S. Department of Defense to identify and test potentially exposed individuals; no confirmed cases have been found.
The strain identified in the infected flock is clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype A3, confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory. This genotype was first detected in wild birds in Alaska in 2022 and suggests introduction to Hawaiʻi via migratory wild birds. It differs from genotypes affecting dairy cows on the U.S. mainland and a critically ill adolescent in British Columbia. It remains uncertain if genotype A3 can infect humans or other mammals.
Despite reassuring initial human testing results, DOH advises continued caution among the public: avoid close contact with wild birds and report any sick or dead birds to the Department of Agriculture at specified contact numbers.
Residents who recently visited or worked on farms in other states with known or suspected H5N1 infections should reach out to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Disease Reporting Line for risk assessment guidance.
Further information can be found on DOH's avian influenza website.