News Release – DOH Reports H5N1 Avian Flu Detected in Kauaʻi County Wastewater Sample

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO

KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

DOH REPORTS H5N1 AVIAN FLU DETECTED IN KAUAʻI COUNTY WASTEWATER SAMPLE

26-147

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2026

HONOLULU - The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is reporting that a wastewater sample from Kauaʻi County tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. The sample was collected at a site in East Kauaʻi on Oct. 14, 2026. DOH was notified of the result on Oct. 26. This is the first detection of the H5N1 virus associated with this year's seasonal bird migration and the first detection of genotype D1.1 in Hawaiʻi.

In the United States, genotype D1.1 has become the predominant genotype in infected wildlife and domestic poultry and there have also been isolated events of D1.1 infecting dairy cattle. DOH continues to test milk from the local dairy and there have been no detections of H5N1. A small number of human cases of genotype D1.1 have been reported nationally. Human cases of avian flu are rare, and most cases have not caused severe illness. No human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been reported. Genotype A3 was the strain previously detected in Hawaiʻi.

"While the risk to the public remains low, avian influenza can cause severe illness and high mortality among certain bird populations, including poultry," said Deputy State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nathan Tan. "Commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks are strongly advised to increase biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of infection. Avian influenza can also infect dairy cows and while pasteurized milk is safe to consume, raw milk should be avoided."

For the municipal wastewater sample collected on Oct. 14 by Kauaʻi County, digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) testing did not detect H5 avian influenza. However, genomic sequencing identified genetic material from H5N1 avian influenza genotype D1.1. The difference in results is not unusual: dPCR tests for specific genetic targets, while sequencing can identify genetic material present in very small amounts. A subsequent sample collected on Oct. 21 tested negative for H5 avian influenza by dPCR; genomic sequencing results for that sample are still being processed.

It is important to note that the detection of H5 genetic material in wastewater does not mean that live, infectious virus is present. Wastewater testing also cannot determine whether the source of the genetic material is animal, human or environmental contamination. An H5 signal does not confirm a clinical case or indicate community transmission. Instead, it serves as an early indicator that can prompt increased awareness and monitoring. The East Kauaʻi wastewater treatment plant is an open system, meaning the detection could be associated with a variety of sources, including contaminated products or waste from infected animals or people.

Wastewater sampling is routinely conducted across Hawaiʻi to support infectious disease surveillance. Samples are sent to the DOH State Laboratories Division (SLD) for dPCR testing, as well as to the University of Missouri for advanced genomic sequencing to identify bacterial and viral genetic material associated with community infections. Using both methods provides complementary information and strengthens Hawaiʻi's ability to detect low-level signals in wastewater. In addition to SLD's testing, H5 avian influenza is monitored in other Hawaiʻi counties through the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) and WastewaterSCAN.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB) recommends the following precautions for residents who need to remove a dead wild bird from their property:

• Wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass.
• Double-bag the carcass and dispose of it with regular trash.
• Wash your hands and disinfect your clothing and shoes after handling a dead wild bird.
• Monitor for any health symptoms that may develop afterward.

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals on any island in the state, contact HDAB's Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 or email [email protected], Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For reports outside business hours or on holidays, call 808-837-8092.

Residents who believe they may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division's Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.

Resources on avian influenza:

For more information about wastewater surveillance:

Hawaiʻi Wastewater Surveillance

Wastewater Data for Avian Influenza A(H5) | National Wastewater Surveillance System | CDC

WastewaterSCAN Dashboard

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