The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division has confirmed a case of measles in a vaccinated adult visitor to Oʻahu. The DOH is investigating the case to identify those who might have been exposed and is working with them to prevent the spread of disease.
The visitor had recently arrived in Hawaiʻi from a region of the continental United States with known measles transmission. After arrival, the visitor became ill, sought medical care, and is now recovering at a private residence on Oahu.
Members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they visited the following locations during the specified times:
OʻAHU
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
- Feb. 26, 12:30 p.m.–4 p.m. — A gates and baggage claim area
Lāʻie Mormon Temple
- Feb. 27, 4:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
HAWAIʻI ISLAND
Hilo International Airport
- March 3, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. — Gate areas, baggage claim
- March 4, 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. — Check-in, security, and gate areas
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
- March 3, 12 p.m.–6 p.m. — Visitors Center, other attractions
Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant
- March 3, 5 p.m.–9 p.m.
Flight notifications have been issued for the airlines and airports through which the confirmed case traveled. The DOH is also reaching out directly to individuals who had known contact with the confirmed or suspected case. A medical advisory will be issued to healthcare providers statewide.
Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses in the world. It spreads by direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An infected person can spread measles to others from four days before developing the rash, through four days afterward. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room.
Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash usually appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
There is no specific medication to treat measles once a person is infected. Care of patients with measles consists mainly of ensuring adequate intake of fluids, bed rest and fever control. Patients with complications may need treatment specific to their problem.
For more information about measles, visit: DOH measles information website
