Japanese traveler had no COVID-19 symptoms while visiting Maui but developed cold-like symptoms on Oahu

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) announced it was notified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a man who traveled to Maui from January 28 to February 3 and to Oahu from February 3-7, has been confirmed with the COVID-19 disease.

Hawai’i’s DOH said in a statement published on February 14, 2020, that the individual had no SARS-CoV-2 symptoms while traveling on Maui, but developed cold-like symptoms with no fever while staying on Oahu.

The individual is a Japanese national who was diagnosed with COVID-19 after leaving Hawaii.

The DOH was informed that the individual wore a mask during his flight to Japan. Using a mask when you are ill can protect others from becoming infected, said this press statement.

Wearing a protective mask is important since the CDC said on February 14, 2020, it now believes the SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads mainly from person-to-person among ‘close contacts’.

This means a person infectious with the COVID-19 disease, who is coughing or sneezing, may infect other people within 6 feet.

Hawai’i’s DOH said it ‘has begun an investigation and is working closely with state, federal and county officials.’

“The state is more than ready with aggressive control and prevention measures as we work closely with our medical community and response partners,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson.

“We are committed to keeping the public fully informed and will continue to provide updates as this situation unfolds.”

“The individual had no symptoms while on Maui,” said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist.

“There is no increased risk on Maui from possible exposure.”

“On Oahu, the individual had cold-like symptoms with no fever.”

While traveling on Oahu, the individual stayed with his wife at a timeshare at the Grand Wakikian by Hilton Grand Vacations.

“I have alerted physicians that it’s possible that cases may surface sometime before Feb. 21 because the onset of illness is generally within 14 days.”

The Department of Health is committed to sharing information as it becomes available. People are urged not to spread misinformation or inaccurate statements that are not confirmed.

Everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions.

And, the DOH said a medical advisory was sent out to the healthcare community in Hawaii to be vigilant about diagnosing possible cases of the COVID-19 disease.

SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus outbreak news published by Coronavirus Today.