Hawaii Department of Health Asks Physicians to Be on the Lookout for WNV
HONOLULU The Hawaii State Department of Health has issued a physicians alert asking local doctors to be on the look out for cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). While there are no cases of WNV currently in Hawaii, increased WNV activity along the west coast of the mainland does increase the risk of the disease entering Hawaii.
It appears that the number of human West Nile cases in California is rapidly increasing over 160 as of last week, said Linda Rosen, MD, deputy director of health. If we can prevent the disease from gaining a foothold in Hawaii for the next few months, the rest of Californias mosquito season, the chances of us getting West Nile Virus this year will be greatly reduced.
While doctors are being asked to increase surveillance, residents can also do their part. The public is asked to look for and turn in dead birds for testing. Since birds are highly susceptible to WNV, dead birds in an area may indicate the presence of the disease.
West Nile Virus is a sometimes-fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals. WNV is not transmitted from person to person or from birds to people.
Since infected mosquitoes transmit WNV, it is best to avoid mosquito bites. Individuals can protect themselves by wearing long pants and sleeves, using repellent that contains DEET and by eliminating standing water to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
Source: Hawaii Department of Health
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
