Zika Virus Infection Confirmed on Kauai

Another imported case of the zika virus has been confirmed by the Hawai’i Department of Health.

The case was confirmed within a Kauai resident who recent traveled to Latin America. The individual may still be infectious, according to DOH.

Health officials say the resident has been instructed to stay indoors and to stay protected from mosquitoes.

In addition, a Vector Control team plans to visit the infected individual’s residence, surveying for mosquitoes. The team will determine if there is a need to treat the area to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites.

“As Zika continues to spread in multiple regions across the world, we anticipate that we will experience an increase in imported cases and must take precautionary measures to reduce our risk for an outbreak in Hawai’i,” said Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler. “There are several simple steps that we can take as a community to accomplish this, such as getting rid of standing water around our homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites and using repellent or protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.

“It is crucial that we keep these practices top-of-mind as we prepare for travel in and out of the state, especially to areas that may be affected by Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends special precautions for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, advising against travel to areas with Zika.

This case is the second to be confirmed by the DOH’s State Laboratories Division.

There have been no Zika case reported on the Big Island this year. The Big Island continues to tackle the dengue fever outbreak that began in September.