Group A Strep outbreak West Hawaii, investigation underway

Hawaii DOH News

Published April 6th, 2026

Detected April 7th, 2026

Summary

The Hawaii Department of Health and CDC are investigating elevated rates of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections in West Hawaii. The investigation began after a local physician reported higher-than-expected cases over several months. DOH routinely monitors these infections, and Hawaii has historically had higher rates than the national average. Investigators aim to confirm whether cases are increasing, identify risk factors, evaluate disease reporting, and understand how infections are occurring in the community.

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What changed

The Hawaii Department of Health issued a public health notice announcing a joint investigation with CDC into invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections in West Hawaii. The investigation was initiated after a physician reported higher-than-expected cases. DOH and CDC will analyze laboratory data, compare local trends with other state areas, and evaluate disease reporting to understand possible causes and risk factors.\n\nHealthcare providers and community partners should be aware that iGAS can be serious when bacteria enter normally sterile body sites, though early antibiotic treatment is effective. High-risk populations include older adults, those with chronic conditions (heart, kidney, respiratory disease, diabetes), immunocompromised individuals, people with open wounds, those experiencing homelessness, and people who inject drugs. The public is advised to keep wounds clean and covered, wash hands regularly, and seek immediate medical care for rapidly worsening symptoms.

What to do next

Monitor for updates from Hawaii DOH and CDC
Seek medical attention if wounds become red, swollen, or produce pus
Practice good wound hygiene and handwashing to reduce infection risk

Source document (simplified)

Home » Newsroom » DOH AND CDC INVESTIGATE INVASIVE GROUP A STREPTOCOCCAL (IGAS) INFECTIONS IN WEST HAWAIʻI

DOH AND CDC INVESTIGATE INVASIVE GROUP A STREPTOCOCCAL (IGAS) INFECTIONS IN WEST HAWAIʻI

Posted on Apr 6, 2026 in Newsroom HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and Hawaiʻi District Health Office are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate a report of high rates of a serious bacterial infection called invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) in West Hawaiʻi.

This investigation began after a local physician identified a higher-than-expected number of patients with iGAS over a period of several months and informed DOH. While DOH routinely monitors these infections, historically Hawaiʻi has had higher rates than the national average. This investigation will help determine whether the number of people with iGAS is increasing in West Hawaiʻi and better understand possible causes and risk factors of this infection.

The goals of this investigation are to confirm whether there is an increase in the number of people with iGAS in West Hawaiʻi, identify risk factors, evaluate disease reporting, and better understand how infections may be occurring in the community. Investigators will also compare local trends with other areas of the state and analyze laboratory data to identify any patterns among people with iGAS infections.

Group A Streptococcus bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in the throat and often do not cause an infection. When infections do occur, they are usually mild illnesses such as strep throat or skin infection. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream or other normally sterile parts of the body. This is called invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS), which can be serious. Early treatment with antibiotics is effective, especially when care is given promptly.

Some people are at higher risk for severe illness. These include older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or respiratory disease and diabetes. People with weakened immune systems, those with open wounds or skin infections — and people experiencing homelessness or who inject drugs may also be at increased risk. In addition, recent viral infections such as influenza or chickenpox can increase one’s risk. The specific causes of the elevated iGAS illnesses in West Hawaiʻi are not yet known, so DOH and CDC are investigating.

DOH encourages the public to take simple steps to reduce the risk of infection. Keep cuts and wounds clean and covered until they heal and wash hands regularly with soap and water. Seek medical care if a wound becomes red, swollen, warm, or produces pus. Anyone experiencing fever, severe pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.

DOH and CDC are working closely with healthcare providers and community partners and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. At this time, the overall risk to the public is low; however, awareness and early treatment are important to prevent severe iGAS illness.