DOH CONFIRMS SECOND CASE OF MEASLES IN HAWAIʻI

News Release from Hawaii DoH, Apr 17, 2025

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a second case of measles in the household of a child previously confirmed on April 7. The adult member of the family had exhibited symptoms and was presumed infected. Both individuals had recently returned from international travel.

As expected, on April 16, the test result confirmed measles infection. Because of the duration between symptom onset and test specimen collection, an antibody test was performed which takes longer to process. The DOH had already investigated who may have been exposed based on being a presumed case of measles. The adult is no longer contagious and the child has fully recovered.

No new suspected measles cases have been reported as of today, April 17. The DOH continues its response efforts, reaching out to those who have been exposed.

Measles is one of the most highly contagious viruses in the world. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Vaccination is the best way to protect loved ones and prevent an outbreak. If you or your ʻohana have not been vaccinated or otherwise have immunity against measles, please talk with your healthcare provider about getting a dose of the (measles, mumps, rubella) MMR vaccine.

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MEASLES CASE CONFIRMED IN CHILD ON OʻAHU — DOH NOTIFIES PUBLIC OF MEASLES EXPOSURE LOCATIONS

News Release from Hawaii DoH, Apr 8, 2025

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division last night confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child under 5 years of age on 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 child had recently returned from international travel with its parents. The child developed a fever, runny nose and cough shortly after returning to Hawaiʻi, sought medical care after breaking out in a rash, and is now recovering at home. A household member with similar symptoms is also being evaluated for possible measles infection.

Members of the public may have been exposed to measles if they visited the following locations during the specified times:

• Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) -- C gates, customs and baggage claim area on March 30 between 10:50 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Terminal 2 departures, TSA checkpoints and gate area for Delta flight 309 to Atlanta, Georgia, on April 4 between 1 and 7 p.m.
• Mānoa Valley District Park art class on April 1, between 9 to 10 a.m.
• Queen’s Island Urgent Care Kapahulu on April 4, between 8 a.m. to noon

Flight notifications have been issued for the airlines and airports through which the confirmed and suspected cases traveled. The DOH is also reaching out directly to individuals who had known contact with the confirmed or suspected case.

If you were at one of the above locations on the day and time specified:

Not vaccinated? If you have never received a measles-containing vaccine (either the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or a measles-only vaccine which is available in other countries), you may be at risk of developing measles. Anyone who was exposed and considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Vaccine or immune globulin can be given to prevent measles if received shortly after exposure.

Be vigilant. Watch for symptoms until three weeks after your last exposure. If you notice the symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. Call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.

Immunocompromised? Anyone with an immunocompromising condition should consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions or develop symptoms.

Already vaccinated? If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are protected and do not need to take any action.

Another dose? If you have received only one dose of a measles-containing vaccine, you are very likely to be protected and your risk of being infected with measles from any of these exposures is very low. However, to achieve complete immunity, contact your healthcare provider about getting a second vaccine dose.

A medical advisory will be issued to healthcare providers statewide.

Highly contagious

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 of measles

Measles symptoms typically include fever of greater than 101 F, runny nose, watery red eyes and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to 14 days after being exposed. Three to five days after symptoms start, a rash begins to appear on the face and spread to the rest of the body.

How to protect yourself

The best protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. All children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine. The first dose is given at age 12-15 months and the second dose at 4-6 years of age. If you are planning travel, consult your healthcare provider to determine whether an additional or earlier dose of MMR is recommended.

All adults born during or after 1957 should also have documentation of at least one MMR vaccination, unless they have had a blood test showing they are immune to measles or have had the disease. Certain adults at higher risk of exposure to measles (e.g., post-secondary school students, international travelers and healthcare personnel) need a second dose of MMR vaccine, at least four weeks after the first dose.

If you are exposed and not protected

If you are not protected against measles and are exposed to someone with the disease, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

• The MMR vaccine may prevent or lessen the severity of measles if given with 72 hours of exposure

• Immune globulin (a blood product containing antibodies to the measles virus) may prevent or lessen the severity of measles if given within six days of exposure.

If you are not protected against measles, believe you have been exposed and cannot reach your healthcare provider promptly, please call the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586, or call the Disease Investigation Branch at 808-586-8362.

There is no specific treatment for measles. 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.

Contact your healthcare provider to get the MMR vaccine, or locate a vaccine provider at https://www.vaccines.gov/en/

For more information about measles, visit:

DOH measles information website

CDC measles website

MMR vaccine factsheet

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UPDATE: Oahu child infected with measles makes full recovery

HTH: Hawaii confirms travel-related measles case in child under 5 - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

SA: Hawaii confirms travel-related measles case in child under 5 | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

KITV: Hawaii health officials urge contact tracing amid measles threat | Video | kitv.com

CB: Hawaiʻi Confirms First Measles Case Since 2023 - Honolulu Civil Beat

KITV: Hawaii DOH confirms measles case in child; exposure risk on Oahu | Local | kitv.com

KHON: Unvaccinated Oahu child contracts measles | KHON2

HNN: Travel-related measles case confirmed in unvaccinated child on Oahu

KHON: 'Talk to your doctor:' Measles vaccination in Hawaii

SA: Vaccines urged as Hawaii confirms measles case in child under 5 | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

SA: Editorial: A prudent pause to isles’ measles vaccine exemption | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

SA: Thousands of Hawaii students not immunized against measles | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

HTH: DOH confirms second case of measles in Hawaii - Hawaii Tribune-Herald