02 Jul 2024 | 02:58 PM UTC
US: Elevated COVID-19 transmission reported in multiple areas, especially Kauai, in early July
Elevated COVID-19 transmission reported in Hawaii, US, in early July; Kauai is most at risk. Maintain basic health precautions.
Health authorities have reported elevated COVID-19 activity in Hawaii, with 1,359 cases (13.1 cases per 100,000 population at risk) reported June 18-24. Kauai is most at risk over this period, reporting 17.4 cases per 100,000 population at risk. Islands reporting more than 10 cases per 100,000 population include Oahu (13.7 cases), Hawaii (11.5 cases), and Maui (11.0 cases). Health officials urge the public to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and to practice basic health precautions to minimize disease transmission. This report represents the most up-to-date information as of July 2.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). Individuals feeling ill or displaying symptoms should refrain from public engagements and consider isolating themselves if possible.
COVID-19 vaccinations can increase protection against severe infection, and all individuals, especially those at higher risk, are encouraged to remain current with booster vaccines. Individuals should continue to abide by national health and safety measures their regulatory bodies provide.
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms appear 2-14 days following exposure (average of 5-6 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, cough, and loss of taste or smell; less common symptoms include headache, sore throat, diarrhea, aches and pains, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, loss of speech or mobility, confusion, and chest pain - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms.
Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some spreading more easily between people, like Omicron. COVID-19 vaccines are distributed across population groups, with evidence suggesting strong protective effects against COVID-19 variants.
