Contaminated Floodwaters Pose Health Risks in Hawaii

Pop-up clinics offer free medical care and vaccinations to storm victims on Oahu's North Shore

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

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An extreme close-up X-ray image revealing the intricate internal structure of a harmful bacterium, conceptually representing the health risks posed by the contaminated floodwaters in Hawaii.Contaminated floodwaters expose residents to a range of dangerous bacteria, requiring vigilant monitoring and medical care.Wahiawa Today

The nonstop series of storms over the past month in Hawaii have brought health concerns, with the potential for serious bacterial infections from contaminated floodwaters. Health care workers are seeing cuts, scrapes, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues among storm survivors and cleanup volunteers. Testing has confirmed the presence of E. coli, enterococcus, salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Leptospira bacteria in the floodwaters.

Why it matters

The contaminated floodwaters pose a serious public health risk, especially for those who had no choice but to wade through chest-high waters to reach safety or assist in rescue and cleanup efforts. Health officials are warning of the increased risk of leptospirosis, a potentially serious bacterial illness that can affect both people and pets.

The details

Pop-up medical clinics on Oahu's North Shore are offering free basic care, wound treatment, medication refills, antibiotics, diabetic assistance, behavioral health services, and tetanus vaccinations to storm victims. The clinics, run by the University of Hawaii's JABSOM H.O.M.E. project and Wahiawa Health, have seen patients with skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and potential cases of leptospirosis. The Department of Health has also issued warnings about high bacteria levels in ocean waters due to the storm runoff.

  • The pop-up clinics will be available through at least April 17.
  • The Wahiawa Health Mobile Clinic will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through May 14.

The players

Dr. Lucia Amore

A physician at Wahiawa Health, a JABSOM graduate, who has seen patients with skin rashes and other issues at the pop-up clinics.

Dr. Kazu Hernandez

The medical director of the John A. Burns School of Medicine H.O.M.E. Project, which has treated flood patients for respiratory, gastrointestinal illnesses, minor wounds and skin infections, including suspected cases of leptospirosis.

Hawaii Department of Health

The state agency that has confirmed the presence of E. coli, enterococcus, salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, and Leptospira bacteria in floodwater samples, and has issued warnings about high bacteria levels in ocean waters.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes it could start as a rash. Sometimes it could be just noticing that something's not healing the way someone would expect. And so, whenever rashes are not healing — also if people are having other symptoms — it's definitely a good idea to get it checked out.”

— Dr. Lucia Amore, Physician, Wahiawa Health

“Within a day or two, you might find if you have the flu you're going to get a cough, sore throat and runny nose. If you have leptospirosis, the fever might persist, along with a bad headache and a little bit of rash.”

— Dr. Kazu Hernandez, Medical Director, JABSOM H.O.M.E. Project

What’s next

The Department of Health is still awaiting test results for Clostridium tetani, legacy pesticides, and metals in the floodwater samples. Health officials said they will continue to monitor for cases of floodwater-related illnesses.

The takeaway

The contaminated floodwaters pose a serious public health risk, especially for those who had no choice but to wade through the waters. The pop-up clinics are providing critical medical care and vaccinations to help address the potential health issues stemming from the storms.