Traveling to Hawaii? What you need to know about recent health warnings
On Monday, the Hawaii Department of Health confirmed a travel-related case of Zika virus on Oahu — the first in over five years — prompting renewed warnings about the mosquito-borne illness.
The infected individual had visited the North Shore beach towns of Waialua and Haleiwa, popular for their quieter beaches and hiking trails.
While the virus was not contracted locally, officials said, 'Travelers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites during their trips, and for three weeks after returning.'
Zika virus poses particular risks to pregnant travelers because of potential birth defects. To reduce risk, the department recommends using EPA-approved insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants during daylight hours when mosquitoes are active, and staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodations.
The Department of Health reported 108 cases so far this year, surpassing the 84 recorded in all of 2024, and said recent infections 'have increased at a worrying rate.'
'Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread through the air via the coughs or sneezes of an infected person,' the department said.
Officials emphasize the importance of up-to-date vaccinations, noting that Hawaii's vaccination rates have declined since 2019.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are on the rise on the islands as summer travel picks up. More than 200 new cases were confirmed last week, though officials believe many go unreported.
The rapid spread of a highly contagious new omicron variant, NB.1.8.1, detected in Hawaii and six other states, has raised concerns, even though experts say it is unlikely to cause more severe illness.
On Monday, Governor Josh Green criticized U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent announcement that healthy children and pregnant women would no longer be routinely recommended for COVID-19 vaccination under the Trump administration.
'By removing the capacity to vaccinate people under age 65 for the most part, you're going to see more spread,' said Green, a physician, calling the policy a 'big mistake.'
'You want to make it easier for people to choose. I'm not mandating anything. Choose what vaccinations you want. So, I'm gonna have to fight that,' Green added.
He also warned, 'these guys are going to kill Americans by making it harder to get vaccinated. And then there's going to be a lot of hell to pay, because innocent people who can't get the vaccine if they want it, I think they're going to have the right to sue the federal government, in my opinion.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
7 minutes ago
- Buzz Feed
27 Travel Items To Buy If Luggage Is About To Burst
A set of compression packing cubes you'll soon wonder how you ever traveled without. Your clothes will stay nicely folded (or rolled if you prefer!) and they squish down nicely when you close 'em. As a result, there will be more room in your suitcase to work with! Yeah, you're a certified packing expert now. A travel-friendly eight-compartment pill organizer to ensure you stay on your daily supplement and medication schedule without packing a bunch of big bottles. It has EIGHT compartments and comes with labels so you know what's what! A packing list pad so you don't forget anything important *and* so you can start packing a bit more strategically. You'll have a clear idea of what needs to fit in the suitcase as you go down the list, which may make you feel like the smartest traveler alive when it works on the first try! A carry-on-friendly travel Gillette Venus razor when you're determined to stay on top of your body care routine while traveling *without* sacrificing too much prime real estate in your already-bursting toiletry bag. Problem solved! OR Alleyoop's -3-in-1 travel razor with a compact (TSA-approved!) design that'll occupy hardly any space in your bag. It comes with two triple-blade razors, a moisturizing bar, and a spray bottle! Now you can shave on your trip when you suddenly realize that you've missed a spot. A small but mighty luggage strap for a hands-free travel experience that allows you to easily bring *another* bag when you inevitably overpack — it happens to the best of us. Not to worry, this lil' strap has you covered! It's also great for carrying your sweater or travel blanket so you have more room in your suitcase that was about to explode. A set of Tozo wireless Bluetooth earbuds if you simply cannot fathom a busy travel day without your beloved playlist. However, your bulky over-the-ear headphones may need to sit this one out if you wanna save space. These have over 169,000 5-star ratings and offer up to 15 hours of playtime on a single charge! Sit back, relax, and block out your noisy seat neighbor. A travel brush with a hidden compartment, which can store your razor, hair ties, and other tiny travel-size items you need to find a place for. It also allows you to leave your giant, bulky hairbrush at home so you can save more room in your luggage, purse, or oversized tote. A 4-in-1 makeup brush set because who wants a cosmetic bag that's perpetually bursting at the seams? This can help! It works as four different brushes, BUT only takes up as much space as one! It's a foundation, concealer, powder, *and* eyeshadow brush. Or this super convenient Alleyoop Pen Pal for anyone who wants to be a bit wiser when packing their makeup bag so they can save space! This 4-in-1 lip liner, eyeliner, brow pencil, and highlighter ensures you'll have everything you need in one sleek pen that takes up less room. Tide sink packets if you just KNOW there's an outfit you'll wanna wear multiple times while traveling. Not to mention, you'll be able to pack lighter knowing you'll have the option to wash things before rewearing 'em. A mini lightweight flat iron, which is truly the perfect size for traveling — no ifs, ands, or buts about it! It heats up super quickly too. Your hair will stay ~flawless~ and you won't lose a lot of luggage space just by packing a styling tool. A digital luggage scale to help you pack the essentials without living in fear of those dreaded overweight bag fees. You won't be filled with anxiety when you head to the airport because you already know your bag is under the weight limit. You travel genius, you. An RFID-blocking travel wallet — a sensible *and* stylish way to carry all your important documents so they're not causing your purse or carry-on bag to overflow. It has eight credit card slots, a cash pouch, a boarding pass compartment, and a passport pocket. A folding travel "flossing" toothbrush when you wanna keep your pearly whites fresh and clean without bringing a full-size one that pokes outta the top of your toiletry bag (iykyk). They're designed with *two* layers of bristles to give you a deeper clean that helps remove particles between the teeth as if you flossed — without actually flossing. A luggage drink caddy because when has trying to juggle a drink in your hand *or* putting it inside your bag ever worked out for you? This ensures your precious beverage is safe and secure while you sprint to the gate and leaves room in your tote for more important items. It also has two extra pockets to hold other essentials, like your phone charger, keys, snacks, hand sanitizer, etc. A compact portable charger that'll save you from that dreaded low battery warning. It can charge an iPhone 15 1.8 times, or AirPods Pro *13 times* — that's twice as fast as similar models, It'll also fit perfectly in your bag or even your pocket because, hello, it's only 1/2-inch thick! OR a brilliant 3-in-1 foldable wireless charging pad perfect for when you're on the go and need to charge your iPhone, AirPods, *and* Apple Watch at the same time. The pad is designed with sturdy magnets that maintain a strong connection to your devices while charging. It even folds up into a tiny lil' square for easy storage and transport! A fold-flat jewelry organizer with zipper compartments, an earring panel, necklace holders, and padded ring rolls! Now you can *actually* pack your jewelry without it turning into one huge mess. Plus, it folds up into a thin little case that occupies minimal luggage space. Some super thin Fomin antibacterial paper soap sheets you'll keep in your travel bag at all times. The next time you find yourself in a bathroom with the unthinkable no-soap-anywhere situation, you'll be so glad you bought these *and* that they take up so little room. Just grab a sheet, add water, and rub your hands together to create a foamy lather! A collapsible silicone water bottle to help you stay hydrated while traveling without having to sacrifice a giant chunk of space in your crowded bag. Bonus: You'll save some money on those ridiculously overpriced airport water bottles. A spacious travel backpack with an anti-theft pocket and many, many compartments that'll come in handy when, try as you might, a suitcase alone isn't cutting it. It has room for ALL your belongings, including *deep breath* a shoe compartment, two laptop sleeves, an anti-theft pocket, and a "wet bag" that keeps damp stuff separate. Oh, and it has a USB charging port! The Ring Thing when you're prone to misplacing your most prized accessories and need to take extra precautions. This will keep your rings secure without requiring an entirely separate jewelry organizer. You can clip it onto your purse or water bottle, too! A leakproof, TSA-approved 16-piece travel toiletries set so your itty-bitty bottles are ready for flight in no time. This set takes up minimal space and comes with cute spray bottles and jars for storing various products, like lotions and perfumes. You even get pre-printed labels so you always know what's what, which is better than accidentally washing your body with shampoo! The new *mini* Kindle because bookworms should be able to keep up with their reading habit at all times — yes, even on vacation. Carrying around a huge stack of actual books isn't exactly realistic but this compact and lightweight Kindle is a great alternative. It's faster, brighter, and will fit just about anywhere! A comfy, ergonomic Trtl neck pillow designed to keep your head in an upright position, which can help prevent painful aches and strains after trying to sleep without proper support. Most importantly, it'll take up way less space in your overpacked bag than the big round ones. Goodbye, sore necks and bulky pillows! A clever Toptote hat clip so you don't have to stuff your fave hat in a suitcase where it'll get deformed and take up way too much room. This magnetic clip protects it, prevents you from losing it, and frees up some luggage space.
NBC News
2 hours ago
- NBC News
CDC director tells staff ‘misinformation can be dangerous' in agency meeting
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez warned staffers about the dangers of misinformation during an agencywide meeting, the first since last week's shooting at CDC's headquarters in Atlanta that left one police officer dead, according to a transcript of her remarks obtained by NBC News. Monarez conducted Tuesday's staff meeting virtually, joined by Jim O'Neill, the deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Jeff Williams, director of the CDC's Office of Safety, Security and Asset Management, in an effort to reassure the people who work at the Atlanta campus about their safety. She noted that the agency has taken steps to bolster security and expand mental health sources for employees. 'Public health should never be under attack,' Monarez said, echoing an earlier social media post from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 'We know that misinformation can be dangerous,' Monarez told staffers. 'Not only to health, but to those that trust us and those we want to trust. We need to rebuild the trust together.' Monarez said the agency can rebuild that trust with 'rational, evidence-based discourse' communicated with 'compassion and understanding.' The suspected shooter, Patrick White, 30, fired close to 200 rounds that struck six buildings at the CDC's campus, law enforcement officials said at a separate press conference Tuesday. A total of five firearms, including rifles and a shotgun, were recovered at the scene. On Tuesday's call, Williams, the head of CDC's security, said the campus buildings 'sustained excessive damage,' adding that it will take time for cleanup and repairs. Nearly 100 children at the childcare center located within CDC's campus were reunited with their parents Friday night after the shooting. Because CDC employees have been working remotely since the attack, Monarez expressed regret that they couldn't meet in person. She said that as staffers return to campus in the coming weeks, it will be 'different' and 'unsettling, in many ways, for some time to come.' White's motive remains under investigation, although officials said they found documents at his home in Kennesaw, Georgia, expressing his discontent with the Covid vaccines. One police officer, David Rose, was killed while responding to the gunfire. In the wake of the attack on the CDC, staffers have been voicing frustration over Kennedy's past vaccine comments, which they said has fueled growing hostility toward public health officials. When asked if Kennedy planned to address vaccine misinformation, Andrew Nixon, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the CDC, said Monarez and CDC leadership 'remain focused on supporting staff during an extraordinarily difficult time as evidenced by their continued direct engagement.' 'This is a time to stand in solidarity with our public health workforce and we hope the media will respect the moment rather than exploiting a tragedy and further exacerbating an already harrowing experience by the dedicated CDC staff,' Nixon said in the statement to NBC News. 'The irony is her boss is the biggest spreader of misinformation,' said Dr. Paul Offit, the director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania, referring to Kennedy. Offit, also vaccine advisor for the FDA, said the staff at CDC aren't responsible for the misinformation. 'These people, they're hardworking public health folks, who care deeply about getting it right,' he said. In a statement released Tuesday, Joseph Kanter, the CEO of The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, a group that represents state public health agencies, said 'in this time of heated rhetoric and polarization, we implore everyone to help dampen inflammatory slander undeservingly aimed at public health professionals.' On Monday, Kennedy visited CDC's headquarters, where security led him through campus, pointing out shattered windows across multiple buildings, according to statement released by HHS. Later, Kennedy met with the widow of the killed police officer. The HHS statement also said the agency "continues to support CDC personnel and their families.' Over the weekend, Kennedy sent an email to staff, saying the agency is 'standing together' in the wake of the shooting. Kennedy has been active in opposing use of the Covid vaccines. He filed a citizens' petition in 2021 requesting that the Food and Drug Administration revoke the authorization of the Covid vaccines. The same year, he described the Covid shot as the 'deadliest vaccine ever made.' He has also taken steps the limit use of the updated Covid vaccines for the fall, restricting its use to older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Last week, Kennedy terminated nearly two dozen contracts focused on developing mRNA vaccines — the same technology used to develop Pfizer's and Moderna's Covid shots. Kennedy hasn't yet spoken publicly about vaccine misinformation that may have contributed to the shooting. During the Tuesday meeting, the head of CDC security tried to ease worries about returning to the agency's campus. 'All indications are that this was an isolated event involving one individual,' Williams said.
Epoch Times
2 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Your Heart May Be a Decade Older Than You Are—Here's How to Find Out
Your heart could be celebrating its 60th birthday while you're still blowing out 50 candles. A new study suggests most Americans face this age gap, which significantly increases their risk of heart attack and stroke. The findings also show this difference is more pronounced among men, those with lower incomes or education levels, or who are black or Hispanic. Disparities Across Demographics The study, published in JAMA Cardiology and based on data from more than 14,000 U.S. adults aged 30 to 79 with no prior history of heart disease, revealed significant differences in heart age gaps across racial and ethnic groups.
