Hawaiʻi Department of Health is investigating 2 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in nonresident visitors who stayed at Nihi Kai Villas on Kauaʻi.
Anyone who stayed at Nihi Kai Villas within the past 2 weeks and develops symptoms consistent with the illness is advised to seek medical attention and contact the state Health Department Disease Outbreak Control Division at 808-586-4586.
Anyone who since January 2025 developed pneumonia within 2 weeks after staying at the property also is asked to contact the state Health Department.
Legionnaires’ disease does not spread person-to-person; risk to the general public is low.
State health officials received water testing results from Nihi Kai Villas on Oct. 13 indicating the presence of Legionella bacteria, the microorganism that causes the illness, in the property’s water systems.
The findings indicate a potential ongoing risk of exposure for guests and residents of the condo facility.
Exact source of exposure and extent of potential spread are still under investigation.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health is working with Nihi Kai Villas to address the potential health risk, reviewing possible cases dating back to January 2025. Public health agencies nationwide also were notified and reports of Legionnaires’ disease cases involving people who traveled to Hawaiʻi were requested.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia. 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 2 to 14 days after exposure. Legionnaires’ disease is treatable with antibiotics.
