Infectious diseases are diseases and conditions that are transmitted from one individual to another from a variety of disease-causing agents. The Disease Investigation Branch (DIB), located within the Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD), conducts investigation, surveillance, prevention, and control of general communicable diseases of public health importance. DIB staff monitors incoming disease reports for occurrence of unusual or rare diseases, disease clusters, and outbreaks in the community.

IN THE NEWS:

Multistate Outbreak of Hepatitis A

6/3/2013

The Department of Health is investigating cases of hepatitis A in Hawaii, linked to consumption of a Townsend Farms frozen berry blend product implicated in a multistate outbreak. The product was sold at Costco stores and has been voluntarily recalled. The public is advised to discard or return any remaining Townsend Farms Organic Anti-Oxidant Blend, and to seek medical attention should they develop symptoms of hepatitis A.

Frequently Asked Questions http://hawaii.gov/health/Immunization/HepA.html

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/Outbreaks/2013/A1b-03-31/index.html

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm355166.htm

DOH hepatitis A fact sheet: http://hawaii.gov/health/DOCD/DIB/HepatitisA.html

List of pharmacies that provide hepatitis A vaccine: http://hawaii.gov/health/Immunization/Documents/AdultVaxResourceList.pdf

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

4/11/2013

Public health officials continue to closely monitor the situation of human infection with influenza A(H7N9). As of today, there are still no reported cases outside of China.

Travelers to China: There are no travel restrictions to China at this time. For more information and recommendations on travel to China, go to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9-china.htm

4/5/2013

Chinese public health officials have confirmed 16 cases of human infection with a novel avian influenza A (H7N9). At this time, no cases have been detected in Hawaii or the mainland United States. For more information, go to:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm

World Health Organization - Frequently Asked Questions on human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus, China http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/faq_H7N9/en/index.html

E. coli Cluster Investigation

3/27/2013

The Department of Health is investigating a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses on Oahu. Until a specific source is identified, the Department of Health urges the public to maintain good food handling practices. Please click here for more information.

Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

3/6/2013

CRE is bacteria of increasing importance and danger. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) are concerned about the rapid rise and spread of CRE. Hawaii has no confirmed reports of CRE. Click here to learn more about CRE in Hawaii.