The Hawaii Department of Health informs members of the public who attended the Mililani Pet Fair held on Nov. 2 may have been exposed to H5N1 avian influenza, according to a news release.

This comes after the DOH and Hawaii Department of Agriculture confirmed H5N1 in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oahu on Nov. 15 that was reported to authorities on Nov. 12.

What You Need To Know

  • DOH says “certain birds” from the infected flock were present at the fair, but the flock did not show signs of infection until several days after the fair, according to the release

  • Because the birds were not showing signs of infection during the fair, DOH says the likelihood of spreading H5N1 to humans is low

  • DOH advises anyone who attended the fair and touched a duck or goose and is experiencing symptoms to isolate at home

  • Contact a primary care provider for evaluation and testing, as well as the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for further guidance; calls are answered 24/7

DOH says “certain birds” from the infected flock were present at the fair, but the flock did not show signs of infection until several days after the fair, according to the release. Because the birds were not showing signs of infection during the fair, DOH says the likelihood of spreading H5N1 to humans is low.

However, out of an abundance of caution, DOH recommends anyone who attended the fair and touched a duck or goose to monitor themselves or family members for symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). Symptoms associated with bird flu in humans are typically mild.

DOH says those who attended the fair and have not developed symptoms “can be assured” since symptoms of avian influenza in humans usually develop within two to five days of exposure, although in some cases, it can take up to 10 days.

Avian influenza in humans can be treated with antiviral medications.

DOH advises anyone who attended the fair and touched a duck or goose and is experiencing symptoms to isolate at home.

Contact a primary care provider for evaluation and testing, as well as the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for further guidance; calls are answered 24/7. Also call the same number if you’ve experienced symptoms that have since been resolved. Health care providers can turn in samples to the State Laboratory Division for bird flu testing.

DOH advises owners whose animals may have had contact with a duck or goose at the fair and are exhibiting signs of illness to contact your veterinarian. They say the likelihood of transmission is low, but HDOA veterinarians have advised local private veterinarians of the H5N1 on Oahu and asked them to report any cases of infection.

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, DOH urges the public to contact HDOA’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7102, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays.

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