Kokua Line: What will city do about mongooses and feral cats at Magic Island?
Question : Lately on my weekly walks at Magic Island, I've noticed many mongooses feeding on cat food left by well-meaning people. The rock jetty along the perimeter of Magic Island houses both mongooses and cats. How will C &C monitor or control this population, which seems to be increasing ?
Answer : 'Our park staff are increasing their awareness of these feeding trays and will be removing them appropriately. Ala Moana Regional Park is not an appropriate place to feed animals. Particularly feral cats which have a known parasite in their fecal matter (that causes ) toxoplasmosis, which is detrimental to native marine life and some people, ' Nathan Serota, a spokesperson for Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, said Wednesday in an email.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which many species, including cats, mongooses, pigs and chickens can carry—complaints about these animals proliferating in Oahu neighborhoods frequently cite health concerns. Cats are considered the definitive hosts because the parasite reproduces in their digestive tracts and spreads through their feces, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains at. Not all cats are infected.
In Hawaii, spinner dolphins, monk seals and nene (Hawaiian geese ) have died of toxoplasmosis, presumably having ingested the parasite through contaminated water or prey, according to news reports. T. gondii oocysts shed in the feces of infected cats are not immediately infectious, but once they become so, they are hardy and can wash out to sea in storm runoff and infect marine life. This is one reason marine conservationists oppose the feeding of feral cats near shorelines.
Humans also can carry the parasite ; more than 40 million people in the U.S. are infected, although those with healthy immune systems generally show no symptoms and don't spread the disease from person to person, according to the CDC. Pregnant women, their infants and immunocompromised people are more susceptible to severe disease, which might cause blindness or brain damage.
Read more about preventing infection on the CDC website, at, which says not to undercook meat or eat raw shellfish ; to wash or cook fresh produce ; to wear gloves when touching soil or sand that may be contaminated with cat feces ; to wash hands with soap and water after touching anything that may be contaminated ; and, if you have a cat, to clean its litter box daily.
'Eliminate cat feces on a daily basis ; T. gondii oocysts require one to five days after being passed in the feces to become infectious, ' says the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a nonprofit organization the CDC refers cat owners to for more information about toxoplasmosis.
Q : For the past few days I have heard heavy helicopters. They almost sound like military, although not quite that loud. Definitely not tourist, I don't think. I can't see them from my window. I live near Kamiloiki Elementary School. Do you know what this is ?
A : Yes. Hawaiian Electric is using a helicopter to replace utility poles and upgrade related equipment in East Oahu, flying above Kamehame Ridge and Kalama Valley, according to the company's social media feeds. Flight paths avoid populated areas while carrying loads, but the noise can reverberate through nearby neighborhoods. The work is expected to continue through today.
Mahalo In April, I passed out in the parking lot fronting Kahala Longs. A man and a woman came to my aid instantly. They both stayed with me until my husband arrived to assist me. God was watching over me and sent these wonderful strangers to my side. I'd like to send a great mahalo to them for caring for me and treating me like their ohana.—Aloha, S.T.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Moderna Announces Positive Phase 3 Results for Seasonal Influenza Vaccine
mRNA-1010 demonstrated superior relative vaccine efficacy that was 26.6% (95% CI; 16.7%, 35.4%) higher than a licensed standard-dose seasonal influenza vaccine in adults aged 50 years and older Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) today announced positive results from a Phase 3 efficacy study (P304) evaluating the relative vaccine efficacy (rVE) against influenza illness of mRNA-1010, the Company's seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine candidate, compared to a licensed standard-dose seasonal influenza vaccine in adults aged 50 years and older. mRNA-1010 achieved the most stringent superiority criterion prespecified in the protocol, with an rVE of 26.6% (95% CI; 16.7%, 35.4%) in the overall study population. Additionally, strong rVE was observed for each influenza strain contained in the vaccine, including A/H1N1 (rVE=29.6%), A/H3N2 (rVE=22.2%), and the B/Victoria lineages (rVE=29.1%). Subgroup analyses confirmed a consistently strong rVE point estimate across age groups, risk factors and previous influenza vaccination status. In participants aged 65 years and older, mRNA-1010 demonstrated an rVE of 27.4%. 'Today's strong Phase 3 efficacy results are a significant milestone in our effort to reduce the burden of influenza in older adults. The severity of this past flu season underscores the need for more effective vaccines,' said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. 'An mRNA-based flu vaccine has the potential advantage to more precisely match circulating strains, support rapid response in a future influenza pandemic, and pave the way for COVID-19 combination vaccines.' In a previous Phase 3 study, mRNA-1010 had already demonstrated superior seroconversion rates and geometric mean titer ratios (GMR) against all strains included in the vaccine compared to both high-dose and standard-dose licensed seasonal influenza vaccine. [1] According to the CDC, seasonal flu-related hospitalizations and outpatient visits reached a 15-year high during the 2024-2025 season. [2] More than 600,000 Americans were hospitalized due to flu-related illness last year, leading to substantial direct and indirect costs, as well as widespread disruption to daily life and work. [3] P304 ( NCT06602024 ) is a Phase 3, randomized, observer-blind, active-controlled, case-driven, pivotal efficacy, immunogenicity and safety study. The trial enrolled 40,805 adults aged 50 years and older across 11 countries. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a single dose of mRNA-1010 or a standard-dose licensed comparator, with a median follow-up of six months. Safety and tolerability of mRNA-1010 were consistent with reported results from a previous Phase 3 study. [4] The majority of solicited adverse reactions (SARs) were mild. Injection site pain was the most common local SAR, and fatigue, headache and myalgia were the most common systemic SARs reported. There were no significant differences between the groups in the rates of unsolicited adverse events, serious adverse events, or adverse events of special interest. Moderna plans to present these data at an upcoming medical conference and submit for peer-reviewed publication. The Company will engage with regulators on filing submissions for mRNA-1010. About Moderna Moderna is a leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine. Through the advancement of mRNA technology, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent disease for everyone. By working at the intersection of science, technology and health for more than a decade, the company has developed medicines at unprecedented speed and efficiency, including one of the earliest and most effective COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna's mRNA platform has enabled the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases and autoimmune diseases. With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. For more information about Moderna, please visit and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including statements regarding: Moderna's engagement with regulators on filing submissions for its standalone flu vaccine candidate; and the efficacy, safety and tolerability of mRNA-1010. The forward-looking statements in this press release are neither promises nor guarantees, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond Moderna's control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, among others, those risks and uncertainties described under the heading 'Risk Factors' in Moderna's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and in subsequent filings made by Moderna with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the SEC's website at . Except as required by law, Moderna disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in the event of new information, future developments or otherwise. These forward-looking statements are based on Moderna's current expectations and speak only as of the date of this press release. Moderna Contacts Media: Chris Ridley Head of Global Media Relations +1 617-800-3651 Investors: Lavina Talukdar Senior Vice President & Head of Investor Relations +1 617-209-5834 SOURCE: Moderna, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
With federal support uncertain, states and nonprofits scramble to safeguard access to vaccines
Vaccines Children's healthFacebookTweetLink Follow After recent moves by the US Department of Health and Human Services to restrict the approval and use of some vaccines — and signs that more changes might be coming — some states and private partnerships are scrambling to ensure that vaccines will still be available to those who want them. People familiar with various efforts that are underway described them as necessary but not ideal. 'When you start splintering the message from the federal government down states and local health departments, people end up losing faith in everybody. They don't know who to believe,' said one official familiar with several ongoing efforts who spoke on the condition they not be named because they weren't authorized to share the details of those plans. Several groups, for example, are working to create panels of subject matter experts who would review the latest science behind vaccines and make evidence-based recommendations for their use, much like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, has done for the past 60 years. Nine states have banded together to create the Northeast Public Health Collaboration, which is staffed by state and city health officials. The group is organized into committees, and their work has intensified quickly in response to shifting federal health priorities and deep cuts to health agencies, according to a person familiar with the group who was not authorized to share the details of their plans. 'They're specifically looking at how, as a collaborative of states, they can address gaps in federal support and resources moving forward in key public health areas,' the person said. One of the areas they're preparing to address is flagging federal support for vaccines, but the member states also have efforts underway to address pandemic preparedness, laboratory services, epidemiology and other key public health priorities. One state represented in that group, Maine, has even recently struck language in its vaccine access law referencing ACIP and created a pathway to purchase vaccines outside of the federal Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines for free to children whose families can't afford them, and which public health advocates fear may also be under threat. Organizers for the effort declined to offer many specifics about the collaboration. They described their work as being in an early stage and said the collaboration was intended only to share information between partners. They stressed that it was not intended to replace or duplicate any federal programs. 'New York state maintains its commitment to protecting access to essential public health services and regularly engages in informal conversations with other states to share information and best practices on public health preparedness,' said a spokesperson for the New York State Department of Health, one of the states involved in the effort. The Massachusetts Department of Health also declined to share more specific details about the collaboration but issued a statement: 'The Department of Public Health is committed to maintaining access to evidence-based vaccines for all people in the state. As federal policy decisions are proposed and enacted that impact vaccine infrastructure, Massachusetts is evaluating what may be necessary to have undisrupted access.' Like Maine, Colorado recently passed legislation to protect coverage for a range of preventive services, including vaccines. In the event the federal government repeals, modifies or gets rid of recommendations for preventive services made by ACIP, the US Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration, the new law gives the state's health commissioner leeway to make rules based off recommendations as they existed in January. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to bypass ACIP's process and change the recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women in May was a red flag for vaccine access, according to a source familiar with the deliberations of state health departments who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to share the details of those discussions. His subsequent decision to dismiss all 17 sitting members of ACIP and replace them with eight of his own choices, including several new members who have expressed doubts about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, spurred the drive for change at the state level, the official said. 'I think states are concerned that, based on these early indications, potentially there will be some new challenges for them in terms of being able to support and offer vaccines,' the official said, 'and so I think they are trying to think of different ways in this new environment that we're in that they still are able to provide vaccines.' ACIP's recommendations are intertwined with state laws in numerous ways, according to the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, which created a reference list. For example, several states – including Minnesota, Vermont and Maine – have laws that allow pharmacists and even dentists to give vaccines as long as they're recommended by ACIP. Changing those recommendations could affect the ability of pharmacists or other health care providers to deliver certain shots. States like New Mexico, Missouri and Alabama tie their requirements for public school enrollment to the most recent version of ACIP's recommendations. Additionally, states sometimes require educational materials for vaccines to hew to ACIP recommendations. Tennessee, for example, requires hospitals to provide parents of newborns with information about pertussis, or whooping cough, and about the availability of a vaccine for pertussis, using information that's in line with ACIP recommendations. Beyond state efforts, there are nonprofit startups working to maintain vaccine access. One such effort is the Vaccine Integrity Project, which is being coordinated by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota and supported by an unrestricted grant from Walmart heiress Christy Walton. The group's steering committee comprises medical and public health experts, former elected officials and former leaders of federal agencies. The initiative aims to counter disinformation around vaccines and provide updated guidelines on their use based on evolving science and safety information. It's also seeking to work with states to help them identify ways their vaccine access laws and funding mechanisms may need to change so they can continue to deliver vaccines to their health care providers and pharmacies. 'The emergence of organizations that collaborate to help fill the gap in the federal government is happening, and it needs to happen,' said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. 'We have to be very forward-thinking about it, because these are programs and services that impact every community in this country in different ways, some more than others. And therefore the impact of programs and services being reduced or whole scale being removed or going away is not known, but we can be sure it will impact the health of every community in this country,' Freeman said.
CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
With federal support uncertain, states and nonprofits scramble to safeguard access to vaccines
After recent moves by the US Department of Health and Human Services to restrict the approval and use of some vaccines — and signs that more changes might be coming — some states and private partnerships are scrambling to ensure that vaccines will still be available to those who want them. People familiar with various efforts that are underway described them as necessary but not ideal. 'When you start splintering the message from the federal government down states and local health departments, people end up losing faith in everybody. They don't know who to believe,' said one official familiar with several ongoing efforts who spoke on the condition they not be named because they weren't authorized to share the details of those plans. Several groups, for example, are working to create panels of subject matter experts who would review the latest science behind vaccines and make evidence-based recommendations for their use, much like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, has done for the past 60 years. Nine states have banded together to create the Northeast Public Health Collaboration, which is staffed by state and city health officials. The group is organized into committees, and their work has intensified quickly in response to shifting federal health priorities and deep cuts to health agencies, according to a person familiar with the group who was not authorized to share the details of their plans. 'They're specifically looking at how, as a collaborative of states, they can address gaps in federal support and resources moving forward in key public health areas,' the person said. One of the areas they're preparing to address is flagging federal support for vaccines, but the member states also have efforts underway to address pandemic preparedness, laboratory services, epidemiology and other key public health priorities. One state represented in that group, Maine, has even recently struck language in its vaccine access law referencing ACIP and created a pathway to purchase vaccines outside of the federal Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines for free to children whose families can't afford them, and which public health advocates fear may also be under threat. Organizers for the effort declined to offer many specifics about the collaboration. They described their work as being in an early stage and said the collaboration was intended only to share information between partners. They stressed that it was not intended to replace or duplicate any federal programs. 'New York state maintains its commitment to protecting access to essential public health services and regularly engages in informal conversations with other states to share information and best practices on public health preparedness,' said a spokesperson for the New York State Department of Health, one of the states involved in the effort. The Massachusetts Department of Health also declined to share more specific details about the collaboration but issued a statement: 'The Department of Public Health is committed to maintaining access to evidence-based vaccines for all people in the state. As federal policy decisions are proposed and enacted that impact vaccine infrastructure, Massachusetts is evaluating what may be necessary to have undisrupted access.' Like Maine, Colorado recently passed legislation to protect coverage for a range of preventive services, including vaccines. In the event the federal government repeals, modifies or gets rid of recommendations for preventive services made by ACIP, the US Preventive Services Task Force or the Health Resources and Services Administration, the new law gives the state's health commissioner leeway to make rules based off recommendations as they existed in January. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to bypass ACIP's process and change the recommendations for Covid-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant women in May was a red flag for vaccine access, according to a source familiar with the deliberations of state health departments who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to share the details of those discussions. His subsequent decision to dismiss all 17 sitting members of ACIP and replace them with eight of his own choices, including several new members who have expressed doubts about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, spurred the drive for change at the state level, the official said. 'I think states are concerned that, based on these early indications, potentially there will be some new challenges for them in terms of being able to support and offer vaccines,' the official said, 'and so I think they are trying to think of different ways in this new environment that we're in that they still are able to provide vaccines.' ACIP's recommendations are intertwined with state laws in numerous ways, according to the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, which created a reference list. For example, several states – including Minnesota, Vermont and Maine – have laws that allow pharmacists and even dentists to give vaccines as long as they're recommended by ACIP. Changing those recommendations could affect the ability of pharmacists or other health care providers to deliver certain shots. States like New Mexico, Missouri and Alabama tie their requirements for public school enrollment to the most recent version of ACIP's recommendations. Additionally, states sometimes require educational materials for vaccines to hew to ACIP recommendations. Tennessee, for example, requires hospitals to provide parents of newborns with information about pertussis, or whooping cough, and about the availability of a vaccine for pertussis, using information that's in line with ACIP recommendations. Beyond state efforts, there are nonprofit startups working to maintain vaccine access. One such effort is the Vaccine Integrity Project, which is being coordinated by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota and supported by an unrestricted grant from Walmart heiress Christy Walton. The group's steering committee comprises medical and public health experts, former elected officials and former leaders of federal agencies. The initiative aims to counter disinformation around vaccines and provide updated guidelines on their use based on evolving science and safety information. It's also seeking to work with states to help them identify ways their vaccine access laws and funding mechanisms may need to change so they can continue to deliver vaccines to their health care providers and pharmacies. 'The emergence of organizations that collaborate to help fill the gap in the federal government is happening, and it needs to happen,' said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. 'We have to be very forward-thinking about it, because these are programs and services that impact every community in this country in different ways, some more than others. And therefore the impact of programs and services being reduced or whole scale being removed or going away is not known, but we can be sure it will impact the health of every community in this country,' Freeman said.
