The Hawaii Department of Health's new respiratory disease surveillance system reveals a concerning uptick in COVID-19 activity across the islands, with the virus now classified at the yellow or medium activity level while other respiratory illnesses remain relatively controlled.
According to the Hawaii Department of Health, COVID-19 is currently circulating at higher levels than would be expected based on historic trends, and activity continues to increase. Meanwhile, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain at green or low activity levels across the state.
Maui Now reports that the new dashboard, developed by the Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division, provides an at-a-glance snapshot of current respiratory disease activity statewide. The system addresses not only COVID-19, but other acute respiratory illnesses including flu and RSV.
Rising Test Positivity Rates Prompt Concerns
Recent data shows Hawaii's COVID-19 test positivity rates have experienced a significant jump. According to Hawaii News Now, the state's respiratory disease tracker showed test positivity at just over 9%, representing more than a 6% increase from the first week of April. Another report from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser indicates health officials tracked an average positivity rate of 10.5%, up from 8.5% the previous week.
The Department of Health has documented consecutive increases in COVID-19 positivity rates over five weeks as new variants establish presence in Hawaii. Honolulu Star-Advertiser data shows state hospitalizations also increased, with 55 COVID patients reported May 22, up from 27 two weeks prior.
Health Officials Recommend Updated Vaccines
State Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble addressed the concerning trends in the surveillance data. "This week, the dashboard shows that COVID-19 test positivity is higher than expected and climbing," according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Kemble also noted that emergency department visits and hospital admissions for COVID-19 are increasing.
As reported by Hawaii Department of Health, officials now recommend the recently updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines for all persons 6 months of age and older. The recommendations also include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization for newborns and infants, pregnant persons, adults over 75, and those 60-74 with certain chronic conditions.
Prevention Measures Emphasized
The Department of Health continues to stress proven prevention strategies. According to Hawaii Department of Health guidelines, residents should stay home until fever-free for 24 hours without medication and other symptoms are mild and improving.
Health officials also recommend wearing masks when indoors with other people, particularly when recovering from COVID-19 symptoms. The guidance emphasizes that Hawaii Department of Health antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and flu work best when taken as soon as possible and are recommended for those at higher risk.
The state's comprehensive respiratory surveillance system represents a shift toward monitoring multiple viral threats simultaneously. As Hawaii navigates this latest wave of COVID-19 activity, the contrast between elevated coronavirus circulation and controlled flu and RSV levels provides both challenges and strategic opportunities for public health response efforts.
