The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is observing World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2024, by highlighting tuberculosis (TB) as an ongoing public health concern in the state. According to a news release, in 2023 Hawaiʻi reported 116 diagnosed cases of active TB, an increase from 100 cases in 2022. This rise aligns with the global and mainland trend following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the availability of effective treatments, TB continues to claim lives. The DOH stated that approximately 1.5 million individuals worldwide died from TB in 2023, including 16 deaths in Hawai‘i. The department remains committed to combating the spread of the disease through extensive contact tracing and mandatory testing in certain industries. Testing for TB is easily accessible and provided free of charge at 17 locations in Hawaiʻi.
"When detected early there are effective treatments for TB, which can prevent the severe and contagious form of the illness called active TB," emphasized the DOH. Symptoms of active TB include a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek evaluation from their primary care physician, with resources available from the DOH to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
The DOH has collaborated with public and private partners to promote TB testing and treatment, particularly among vulnerable populations such as immigrants, migrants, those in group living situations like homeless shelters, and incarcerated individuals. Through these partnerships, the DOH aims to prevent late diagnoses, long-term lung damage, deaths, and halt the transmission of TB within communities, contributing to the global public health objective of eradicating TB.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Tuberculosis Control Program, under the Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division, is dedicated to reducing TB incidence by providing prevention, detection, treatment, and educational services free of charge. Individuals seeking more information on TB or the program's offerings can contact 808-832-5731 or visit https://health.hawaii.gov/tb/.