DOH INVESTIGATES TWO CASES OF LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE LINKED TO STAYS AT KAUAʻI PROPERTY
HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is investigating two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in nonresident visitors who stayed at Nihi Kai Villas, a multibuilding condominium property on Kauaʻi.
DOH is advising anyone who stayed at Nihi Kai Villas within the past two weeks and develops symptoms consistent with Legionnaires’ disease, to seek medical attention and contact DOH’s Disease Outbreak Control Division at 808-586-4586. DOH is also asking anyone who developed pneumonia within two weeks after staying at the property since January 2025 to contact DOH.
Legionnaires’ disease does not spread from person to person; the risk to the general public is low.
As part of the ongoing investigation, DOH received water testing results from Nihi Kai Villas on Oct. 13, 2026, indicating the presence of Legionella bacteria in the property’s water systems. The findings indicate a potential ongoing risk of exposure to the bacteria for guests and residents.
The exact source of exposure and the extent of potential spread are still being investigated. DOH is working with Nihi Kai Villas to address the potential health risk. The investigation is reviewing possible cases dating back to January 2025. DOH has also notified public health agencies nationwide and requested reports of Legionnaires’ disease cases involving individuals who traveled to Hawaiʻi.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria are naturally found in freshwater environments and can grow in human-made water systems, including showerheads and sink faucets, cooling towers, hot tubs and large plumbing systems.
Most healthy people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not become ill. Those at increased risk include people age 50 and older, current or former smokers, as well as people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches and headache. Symptoms typically develop two to 14 days after exposure. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics.
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