Hawaii

Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Hawaii

Imported from NNDSS: Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

No active Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus reports in Hawaii right now.

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What is Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

While *Staphylococcus aureus* was identified in the late 19th century, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains is a more recent concern. Methicillin-resistant *S. aureus* (MRSA) became widespread decades before. The first documented case of true vancomycin-resistant *S. aureus* (VRSA) in the United States was reported in 2002, marking a significant milestone in antibiotic resistance as vancomycin was a key last-resort treatment for MRSA.

Symptoms

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Redness, swelling, pain, warmth, pus-filled lesions (e.g., boils, abscesses).
More Serious Infections:
Pneumonia: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath.
Bloodstream Infections (Bacteremia): Fever, chills, general malaise.
Bone Infections (Osteomyelitis): Pain, swelling, fever over affected bone.
Heart Valve Infections (Endocarditis): Fever, fatigue, shortness of breath.

Transmission

VRSA primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected person's wounds, bodily fluids, or contaminated skin. It can also be transmitted indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces or objects in healthcare environments. Healthcare workers' hands often play a role in transmission if proper hygiene is not maintained, and individuals can carry *Staphylococcus aureus* asymptomatically on their skin or in their nostrils.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

Rigorous Hand Hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially in healthcare settings.
Environmental Cleaning: Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment in healthcare facilities.
Isolation Precautions: Implementing contact precautions for infected patients in hospitals to prevent spread.
Judicious Antibiotic Use: Healthcare providers prescribing antibiotics appropriately to minimize the development of resistance.
No vaccine is currently available specifically for *Staphylococcus aureus* infections.

Hawaii Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

We're Monitoring Hawaii

Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus activity across Hawaii. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.

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Hawaii Health Department

For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to Hawaii, visit your state health department's website.

→ Hawaii Department of Health → CDC Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Information → CDC Health Topics

Understanding Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Key Questions

Whether you live in Hawaii or are traveling there, knowing the symptoms, timeline, and when to seek care helps you act quickly if exposure occurs.

When to Seek Care

Seek care if you experience severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. Children under 5, adults over 65, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care earlier.

Emergency symptoms: Severe dehydration, inability to keep fluids down for 12 or more hours, or neurological symptoms require emergency care.

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources →

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources →

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-18

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