With Hawaiʻi’s first confirmed cases of avian influenza (H5N1), it is important for residents to stay informed about the virus’s potential impact on both animal populations and human health. Although the immediate risk to humans is low, understanding the nature of the virus, its transmission, and how to take preventive measures remains crucial to ensuring public safety and minimizing its spread.
Axel Lehrer, a professor of tropical medicine and medical microbiology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, educates and trains the next generation of biomedical professionals and is project lead on the recombinant Filovirus vaccine project. He answers key questions on what to know about the ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) developments in Hawaiʻi.
Is the bird flu strain in Hawaiʻi a risk to humans?
While the virus poses a significant threat to birds, it has limited ability to transmit to humans or mammals, meaning the immediate health risk to people is low. Public health officials emphasize vigilance, but daily life remains largely unaffected.
How did the virus arrive in Hawaiʻi, and should the public be concerned?
The virus likely arrived via migratory birds from Asia or the mainland U.S., including Alaska. People are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report them to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture. Those who attended the Mililani pet fair in November should not have symptoms at this point.
What should people do if they come into contact with sick or dead birds, and will bird flu affect life in Hawaiʻi long-term?
Anyone who handles sick or dead birds should monitor for flu symptoms and seek medical care if needed. As for long-term effects, the virus is not expected to drastically change daily life for most Hawaiʻi residents. While occasional outbreaks may occur, especially among migratory birds, normal precautions should suffice.
What preventive measures should people take, and is the virus mutating?
To reduce risk, avoid contact with sick or dead birds, wash hands thoroughly after any bird interaction, and monitor for symptoms. The virus remains in its wild type form and has not mutated to spread between humans, but scientists are closely monitoring it.
Visit the Hawaiʻi Departrment of Health’s avian influenza website for more information.
