Concerned about the spread of avian influenza, the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has jumped into action and is looking into human encounters with an H5N1-infected flock. According to a recent news release, the Department has cleared all tested individuals of avian influenza after they were exposed to the sick birds.
34 of the 54 individuals who were assessed for possible interaction with the birds were suggested for testing because they had either direct, unprotected contact with the birds or had respiratory symptoms after exposure. All 29 people who agreed to be tested, including those who had symptoms and those who did not, have tested negative for the virus, the governor’s office of Hawaii said in a statement. The discovery that two people exhibiting symptoms actually had common cold viruses added a degree of comfort.
The probe also includes those who interacted with ducks and geese at the Mililani Pet Fair on November 2. The DOH continues to keep an eye on the problem even though four people with exposures restricted to the event have produced negative results. According to the news release posted on the Office of the Governor website, “Testing involved collection of swabs from the nasopharynx, nose, throat, and/or conjunctiva that were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at the State Laboratories Division,” demonstrating the meticulous method used to screen for possible cases.
The DOH has also confirmed that there have been no H5N1 infections after identifying and testing those who may have been exposed within defense department circles in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. The avian influenza genotype that was found, known as clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype A3, is distinct from those that infect people in other areas and species. Experts have speculated about this genotype’s migratory introduction to Hawai I, despite the fact that it is uncertain if it poses a serious risk to humans. It was discovered in wild birds in Alaska in 2022.
The public is still being advised by the DOH to report any cases of sick or dead birds and to stay away from close contact with wild birds. The Health Department has established a reporting hotline for risk assessments for citizens who are visiting farms in H5N1-affected states. Their specialized avian influenza webpage has more details.
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