Hawaii Confirms Travel-Related Zika Case on Oahu

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A case of Zika virus, a mosquito-born illness, has been confirmed on the island of Oahu by local health officials.

The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issued a statement about the confirmed case and has also indicated that there are two other suspected exposures to the virus.

This is the first time since 2019 that the virus has been detected in Oahu, which is a popular tourist location. The confirmed case of Zika is a travel-related case, meaning it was imported into Hawaii by a visitor.

Hawaii’s DOH has already begun responding to the development is also asking for the public’s support in reducing opportunities for the virus to potential spread.

“Vector control teams are responding and will continue operations in areas where the individuals spent time, including neighborhoods in Waialua/Haleʻiwa area on Oʻahu,” says the DOH statement.

The public is urged to take additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito breeding.

In particular, the department is calling on residents, businesses and visitors to support efforts to prevent Zika transmission by implementing a variety of steps, including:

• Applying insect repellent on exposed skin, especially when outdoors. Use products registered with the Environmental Protection Agency that contain 20 percent to 30 percent DEET. 

According to DOH, some additional effective ingredients include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535.
• Members of the public can also visit the EPA’s website to find the right repellent
• Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants
• Keep mosquitoes out of homes and businesses by ensuring screens are intact and doors are kept closed
• Remove standing water around homes and buildings, including water in buckets, flower pots, used tires and plants such as bromeliads.

Zika virus symptoms

Zika virus symptoms are typically mild and may include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes and muscle pain, per the DOH. Symptoms typically last a few days to a week.

About 80 percent of Zika infections are asymptomatic. Moreover, hospitalization and death from Zika are uncommon.

“Rarely, Zika infection may cause damage to the nerves, brain, or spinal cord as well as a blood disorder that can result in bleeding, bruising or slow blood clotting,” the DOH statement explains.

However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and is linked to pregnancy complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm birth.

How Zika spreads

Zika virus spreads primarily from infected person, to mosquito, to another person. While Hawaiʻi has the mosquito species capable of transmitting Zika, the virus is not established in Hawaiʻi, according to the DOH.

A spate of travel-associated cases were frequently reported in Hawai‘i between 2015 and 2019 when Zika was circulating globally, peaking at a high of 25 cases in 2017.

However, no locally transmitted cases have been documented in Hawaii, according to DOH. No locally acquired cases have been documented in Hawaiʻi.

What should travelers do?

Travelers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites during their trips, and for three weeks after returning, the DOH suggests.

“Anyone experiencing symptoms within two weeks after visiting an area with risk of Zika should consult a health care provider and inform them of possible exposure in a Zika-affected area,” says the DOH statement.”Testing is not routinely recommended for travelers who do not have symptoms.”