Investigation by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) of confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oʻahu has identified a potential exposure to members of the public who attended the Mililani Pet Fair held on Nov. 2, 2024.
While certain birds from the infected flock were present at the fair, the first signs of infection in the flock did not occur until several days later.
As the birds were not showing signs of infection at the time of the fair, the likelihood of spreading H5N1 to humans is low. However, out of an abundance of caution, DOH recommends that individuals who attended the fair and touched a duck or goose monitor for influenza-like illness (ILI) and conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) symptoms.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans usually develop within two to five days of exposure but can take up to 10 days to develop in some cases.
Symptoms that are associated with bird flu infection in humans are typical mild and may include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)
Avian influenza in humans can be treated with antiviral medications.
The DOH advises anyone who attended the fair, touched a duck or goose at the fair, and is currently experiencing ongoing symptoms to isolate at home.
For more information about avian influenza, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/.