JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
State epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble holds a news conference Thursday to discuss the recent detection of avian influenza virus in a wastewater sample from Oahu.
Today, state officials announced the first confirmed detection of avian influenza in Hawaii, found in a backyard flock in Central Oahu. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture received reports of at least ten deceased birds, including ducks and a zebra dove, within the vicinity of the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Although human infections with the H5N1 strain are rare and generally mild, Dr. Sarah Kemble emphasized, “The current risk of transmission to Hawaii residents is low.” However, residents are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
Symptoms in humans may include conjunctivitis and respiratory issues like sore throat or cough, yet sustained human-to-human transmission has not yet been documented.
The Health Department is actively investigating possible human exposures and is aware that treatment for avian flu is most effective when commenced early.
Officials reported strict quarantine measures are in effect, mandating the depopulation of affected birds and thorough disinfection of the area. They are uncertain how the virus reached Hawaii, although it lies along the migratory bird pathway.
For any unusual bird illnesses, residents are encouraged to contact HDOA’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7102.
Vocabulary List:
- Influenza /ˌɪn.fluˈɛn.zə/ (noun): A viral infection that attacks the respiratory system.
- Transmission /trænɪsˈmɪʃən/ (noun): The act of passing something from one person or place to another.
- Epidemiologist /ˌɛpɪˌdiːmiˈɒlədʒɪst/ (noun): A specialist in the study of how diseases spread and can be controlled.
- Quarantine /ˈkwɔːr.ən.tiːn/ (noun): A period of isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
- Disinfection /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛkʃən/ (noun): The process of cleaning something to remove or destroy pathogens.
- Conjunctivitis /ˌkɒn.dʒʌŋk.tɪˈvaɪ.tɪs/ (noun): An inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid.
How much do you know?
Where was the first confirmed detection of avian influenza in Hawaii found?
What are some symptoms of avian flu in humans?
What is the recommended action for residents in response to avian flu detection in Hawaii?
How is treatment for avian flu most effective?
What measures are officials taking in response to the avian flu detection in Hawaii?
How can residents report unusual bird illnesses?
Human-to-human transmission of avian flu has been documented in Hawaii.
Dr. Sarah Kemble stated that the current risk of transmission to Hawaii residents is high.
Avian flu symptoms in humans can include sore throat and cough.
Treatment for avian flu is more effective when started early.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture advised residents to avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
Officials are certain about how the avian flu virus reached Hawaii.
Residents are encouraged to contact HDOA’s Animal Industry Division at for any unusual bird illnesses.
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture received reports of at least ten deceased birds, including ducks and a zebra dove, within the vicinity of the .
Dr. Sarah Kemble emphasized that the current risk of transmission of avian flu to Hawaii residents is .
Quarantine measures are in effect, mandating the of affected birds and thorough disinfection of the area.
Dr. Sarah Kemble discussed the recent detection of avian influenza virus in a wastewater sample from .
The Health Department is actively investigating possible human exposures and is aware that treatment for avian flu is most effective when commenced .
