HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State health officials say mpox has been detected in a wastewater sample on Oahu for the first time.

The Hawaii Department of Health said the sample, collected April 13 at a treatment facility on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, tested positive for clade I mpox.

Officials emphasized that no clinical cases of clade I mpox have been identified in Hawaiʻi and the overall risk to the public remains low.

Health officials said detecting the virus in wastewater does not confirm an active case or community spread, but serves as an early indicator to monitor for possible infections.

The Department of Health was first notified of the detection on April 20, with confirmation received on April 24. A follow-up sample collected April 20 tested negative.

Officials said major wastewater facilities across Oʻahu continue to be monitored, and all other recent samples have tested negative.

Clade I and clade II are two types of the virus that causes mpox. Both spread the same way and can be prevented using the same methods.

The DOH said people at higher risk are encouraged to consider vaccination if they have not already received two doses of the JYNNEOS vaccine.

Health officials also advise those who have recently traveled to areas with active transmission or had close contact with someone showing symptoms to monitor their health and contact a healthcare provider if needed.