Why Zika in Hawaii Matters

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and one of the most desirable vacation destinations for Americans. I’ve only been once oer 20 years ago, but have amazing memories of the island of Kauai. So when health agencies report about the emergence of Zika virus there, the media cover it, even if the risk to the general public is low.

What We Know About the Current Zika Case in Hawaii

The recent Zika case reported in Hawaii was travel-associated. That means the person was infected with Zika somewhere else and then traveled to Hawaii. Importantly, there’s no evidence that the virus has been transmitted locally.

But this type of event is exactly why we have surveillance systems. A doctor saw a patient with symptoms, ordered testing, and a public health agency investigated the results and determined where the infection likely occurred.

How Zika Virus Spreads

To understand why this matters, let’s review how mosquito-borne viruses like Zika get introduced into new places. There are two primary ways:

  • An infected person arrives in a place where the right kind of mosquito is present. If a mosquito bites that person, it can then transmit the virus to other people.
  • Infected mosquitoes themselves hitch a ride on airplanes, ships, or cargo, including infected animals that are being brought to Mexico.

For a virus to remain established in a new place, it has to have the types of mosquitos that can transmit Zika. Hawaii’s tropical climate leads to a year-round mosquito season, including the types that can transmit Zika. Specifically, Aedes albopictus is widespread throughout the state, while Aedes aegypti has been found on the Big Island and Molokai. 

Mosquito Control: Lessons from NYC

Back in 2016, I helped lead New York City’s Zika response. One of the biggest takeaways from that experience? Mosquito control outside the home is all about standing water. People often think of ponds or birdbaths, but even something as small as a bottle cap or top lid of an aluminum can can be enough to breed mosquitoes. Public health campaigns focused on eliminating water-holding containers—flowerpots, gutters, outdoor toys—were critical. That same approach applies in Hawaii today.

Hawaii and the Risk of Emerging Diseases

Hawaii’s geography is both a strength and a vulnerability. Its distance from the mainland U.S. offers some protection. But its ecosystem is fragile, and its economy depends on tourism from all over the world. This makes it a potential landing spot for many emerging infections. Zika would be another example—not of panic, but of why early detection and mosquito control matter.

Zika and Pregnancy Risks

For most people, Zika causes either no symptoms or mild ones, including fever, joint pain, fatigue. But the danger comes with pregnancy. If a pregnant woman becomes infected, or is exposed through sexual transmission, Zika can lead to severe birth defects, most notably microcephaly—a condition where the baby’s brain doesn’t develop properly.

This is why Zika remains a concern even when case numbers are low. Public health agencies recommend that pregnant women, or those trying to become pregnant, avoid travel to areas with Zika transmission. And if they do travel, strict mosquito precautions and sexual health guidance should be followed.

Bottom Line

Hawaii has not reported any local transmission of Zika virus. But the presence of a travel-associated case reminds us that surveillance works, mosquito control matters, and behavior change can avert death and disability. If you’re traveling to Hawaii—or anywhere with mosquitoes—cover up during the day, use insect repellent, and eliminate standing water around your home or lodging. And if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider before you go.