HONOLULU (KHON2) — A recent investigation by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) has confirmed the presence of H5N1 avian influenza in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oahu.
Health officials are now advising individuals who attended the Mililani Pet Fair on November 2, 2024, and had contact with ducks or geese to monitor for symptoms of influenza-like illness or conjunctivitis.
While certain birds from the infected flock were present at the fair, the onset of illness in the birds did not occur until several days later. As the birds showed no signs of infection at the time, the risk of H5N1 transmission to humans is considered low.
However, out of caution, the DOH is urging attendees who handled the affected birds to watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and pink eye, which typically appear within two to five days of exposure, though in some cases symptoms may take up to 10 days to develop.
Avian influenza in humans is usually mild, but health officials stress that antiviral treatment is available if needed.
DOH recommends that anyone who attended the fair, touched a duck or goose and is experiencing persistent symptoms should stay home and seek medical attention.
Those affected are also encouraged to contact their primary care provider for evaluation and to notify the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586, available 24/7.
The likelihood of H5N1 spreading to other animals at the fair is also considered low.
However, veterinarians have been alerted to monitor any pets or animals that may have had contact with the infected birds.
Pet owners concerned about their animals’ health are urged to consult with their veterinarians.
For those wishing to report unusual illnesses in birds or animals, the HDOA’s Animal Industry Division is available at 808-483-7102 during business hours or 808-837-8092 after hours and on holidays.
For further information on avian influenza, the public can visit the DOH website.