In commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2024, the Hawaii Department of Health is highlighting tuberculosis as a continuing public health issue in Hawaii.
In 2023, 116 people will be diagnosed with active TB in Hawaii, up from 100 in 2022. This increase is comparable to the global and mainland experience in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the existence of effective treatments, people continue to die from tuberculosis. In 2023, approximately 1.5 million people will die from tuberculosis worldwide, 16 of which will occur in Hawaii.
DOH officials said Hawaii remains vigilant in its efforts to prevent the spread of the disease by conducting extensive contact tracing and requiring TB testing in certain industries. Testing will be provided free of charge at 17 locations through the DOH. For more information on how to obtain TB clearance, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/tb/tb-testing-locations-times/.
“If detected early, tuberculosis has effective treatments that can prevent a serious and contagious disease called active tuberculosis,” DOH officials reported. Symptoms of active tuberculosis include a cough that lasts for more than three weeks, unexplained weight loss, fever, sweating at night, loss of appetite, and feeling weak or tired. People with these symptoms are advised to see their primary care physician. DOH has resources available to individuals and clinicians to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.
“DOH is working with various public and private partners to test for tuberculosis among the most vulnerable community members, including immigrants, migrants, and those living in congregate settings, such as homeless shelters and incarcerated people. Through these collaborative efforts with community partners, the DOH TB Control Program aims to prevent delays in diagnosis, permanent lung damage and death, and eliminate transmission of this infectious disease in our communities. “These efforts are working towards the global public health goal of eliminating tuberculosis for all people,” health officials said.
The Hawaii Department of Health's Tuberculosis Control Program is part of the Division of Infectious Disease and Public Health Nursing. Its mission is to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis in the state by providing effective prevention, detection, treatment, and education services. Testing and treatment are free of charge.
For more information about tuberculosis or the program's services and activities, call 808-832-5731 or visit https://health.hawaii.gov/tb/.
