VNR: UH tropical medicine expert on arrival of bird flu to Hawaiʻi

Axel Lehrer, UH Tropical Medicine and Medical Microbiology Professor

Link to video and sound (details below): https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/rhMLDtHZ5e

WHAT: The USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed Hawaiʻi’s first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu (H5N1). The initial case was detected on November 15, in a backyard flock of mixed bird species in Wahiawā, followed by a second case on November 25, in a wild duck on the North Shore. Authorities believe the virus has been spreading among wild birds and mammals, contributing to a nationwide outbreak that began in 2022. Until now, Hawaiʻi was the last state without reported cases in poultry or wild birds during the ongoing H5N1 outbreak.

WHO: Axel Lehrer, a professor of tropical medicine and medical microbiology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine explains the nature of the virus. He assists with education and training of biomedical students and is project lead of the recombinant Filovirus vaccine project.

WHY:  Understanding the virus's nature, including its limited ability to transmit to humans or mammals, is crucial. It helps reassure the public that the immediate health risk is low while emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Minimal Risk to Humans: The virus currently has limited ability to spread to humans or mammals, reducing the immediate health threat. 
• Concern for Animal Populations: While the virus poses a significant risk to poultry and wild bird populations, it does not yet pose a major risk to human health.
• Migration and Arrival: The virus arrived in Hawai‘i via migratory birds, a common pattern, highlighting the need for monitoring bird populations.
• Preventive Measures: Public health officials recommend avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and monitoring for flu-like symptoms. While daily life remains largely unaffected, those who come into contact with birds should check for symptoms and seek medical care if needed.
• For more information about the Avian Influenza, visit the Hawaii Department of Health website.

Link to video and sound (details below): https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/rhMLDtHZ5e

B-ROLL: (1 minute, 12 seconds)

0:00-0:47 - Lehrer working in the lab 
0:47-1:12 - Aerial view of JABSOM facilities in Kakaʻako

Sound:

Axel Lehrer, UH Tropical Medicine & Medical Microbiology Professor

(0:21)
"We have to be very clear that so far the virus has only been identified in animals and poultry, so based on the genetic lineage that the virus seems to stem from, it is not directly linked to recent outbreaks on the mainland or in Canada." 

(0:11)
"Various studies have happened over the years and so far, the virus has not gained the fitness to really replicate in mammals." 

(0:15)
"I would say mostly live life as usual as we know. People who get infected with bird flu are typically those who work professionally in their day-to-day life with birds."

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VOSOT script

INTRO

Hawai‘i has confirmed its first cases of avian influenza, or bird flu, marking the state’s initial detection of the virus since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. Hawai‘i had been the only state without reports of poultry or wild bird infections during the ongoing H5N1 outbreak.

VO

Axel Lehrer, a professor at the University of Hawai‘i’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, explains why the virus’s arrival doesn’t pose an immediate health threat.

SOT

Axel Lehrer, UH Tropical Medicine & Medical Microbiology Professor

<"We have to be very clear that so far the virus has only been identified in animals and poultry, so based on the genetic lineage that the virus seems to stem from, it is not directly linked to recent outbreaks on the mainland or in Canada.">

VO

Health officials continue to monitor the situation, assuring the public that with simple precautions, the risk to Hawai‘i residents remains minimal.