After several years of no reported cases, Hawaii is once again seeing signs of the Zika virus — a mosquito-borne illness known for causing birth defects and sometimes paralysis.
The state’s health department recently confirmed one case and is keeping an eye on two more potential infections.
All three people spent time on Oʻahu, specifically in the quieter north shore areas of Waialua and Haleʻiwa.
This marks the first time since 2019 that Zika has popped up in the islands.
What Exactly Is Zika and How Does It Spread
Zika virus is carried by a specific type of mosquito called Aedes — the same kind responsible for spreading dengue and chikungunya viruses.
These mosquitoes are common in warmer parts of the U.S., like Texas and Florida, but their presence in Hawaii means the state needs to be alert.
While most adults who catch Zika only get mild symptoms or none at all, the virus can sometimes cause serious problems, including nerve damage or blood disorders that affect clotting.
The biggest concern, however, is for pregnant women because Zika can cause severe birth defects and pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and preterm birth.
The History of Zika Cases in the U.S. and Hawaii
In the United States, Zika cases mostly come from travelers bringing the virus back from affected areas, with some limited local spread.
The highest number of cases in the U.S. was in 2016, when over 5,000 infections were linked to travel and 224 were caught locally.
Since then, cases have dropped dramatically, with only 7 confirmed cases reported in 2023.
Hawaii’s recent confirmed case involved a traveler, but officials are carefully watching the other two potential cases to prevent wider spread.
What Hawaii Is Doing to Protect Residents and Visitors
Right now, the Hawaii Department of Health is closely monitoring mosquito activity in the areas where the cases were found.
They’re ready to step up control efforts if needed, especially as mosquito populations can quickly grow in tropical climates.
Both residents and tourists are being urged to take precautions seriously.
That includes wearing insect repellent whenever you’re outside, dressing in loose, long-sleeved clothing, and making sure that window and door screens are in good shape.
Another important step is to eliminate standing water around homes and buildings, since that’s where mosquitoes lay their eggs.
How Zika Can Spread Between People
Once a person is infected, Zika can spread not just by mosquito bites, but also through unprotected sex and from mother to child during pregnancy.
The virus has been detected in bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, saliva, urine, and breast milk.
Symptoms are generally mild and might include fever, rash, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes. They typically last just a few days up to a week.
Interestingly, about 80% of people infected don’t even show symptoms.
Why Pregnant Women Need to Be Especially Careful
The real danger of Zika lies in what it can do to unborn babies.
The virus can cause microcephaly — a serious condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than normal, often leading to seizures, developmental delays, and lifelong disabilities.
Zika is also linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare but severe disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.
The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Mosquito-Borne Diseases
While Hawaii has the mosquito species capable of spreading Zika, the virus itself isn’t yet established there.
However, experts worry that rising global temperatures are creating new environments where these mosquitoes can thrive.
As the climate warms and becomes more humid in regions that were once too cold, mosquitoes are expanding their range.
Longer lifespans and extended breeding seasons increase the chance for diseases like Zika to appear in places that never had to worry about them before.
Global Impact and Previous Outbreaks
Zika has mostly been a problem in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
The virus grabbed worldwide attention back in 2016 during an outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
There were even fears the Olympic Games that year might be canceled due to the risk, especially after more than 200 scientists warned the World Health Organization about the virus’s spread.