DOH observes world tuberculosis day: public health vigilance can keep Hawaii healthy
Posted in the newsroom on March 21, 2025
Honolulu – In compliance with the World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2025, the Hawaii Ministry of Health (DOH) wants to highlight tuberculosis (TB) as a continuing public health issue in Hawaii.
In 2024, Hawaii had 116 diagnosed cases of active tuberculosis, with population adjustment rates almost three times the national rate. TB case rates have declined between 2015 and 2020, but since 2020, fees have increased nationwide and worldwide in Hawaii. This increase in tuberculosis, including a massive outbreak in Kansas, launched in 2024, highlights the ease with which TB can be reestablished within the community, and the need for ongoing vigilance and public health prevention efforts. Early identification and treatment protect individuals and prevent community spread.
Symptoms and treatment
Symptoms of active tuberculosis include long-term coughing for more than 3 weeks, weight loss for unknown reasons, fever, nighttime sweating, loss of appetite, weak or fatigue. People with these symptoms are advised to be assessed by their healthcare provider or take a TB test at a DOH TB clinic. Tuberculosis infection can be effectively diagnosed and treated with oral medication before developing contagious and more severe tuberculosis disease. Resources available to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis can be found at https://health.hawaii.gov/tb/.
Protect our workforce
DOH is committed to protecting Hawaiian people from the spread of infectious pathogens such as tuberculosis by maintaining a healthy workforce. Hawaii continues to be vigilant by requiring employees in certain industries to have TB clearance and to protect both workers for individuals they care about. Tests to get TB clearance are available free of charge at 17 DOH locations across the state (click here for more information).
DOH works with public and private partners to promote TB testing in the community, identify people at the highest risk of developing infectious TB, and promote preventive treatment for those who benefit. The groups considered to be at high risk for tuberculosis are:
People traveling from or to countries with a high percentage of TB. People living in people with chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, people with weak immune systems) (such as emergency shelters and correctional facilities and correctional facilities).
Through joint efforts with community partners, the DOH TB control program is seeking to diagnose delayed tuberculosis, prevent the persistent lung injury and death, end the transmission of this airborne infection in the community, and achieve the final tuberculosis goal for all.
The DOH tuberculosis control program is part of the Department of Infectious Diseases 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. Tests and treatments are available free of charge.
For more information about tuberculosis or program services and activities, call 808-832-5731 or visit https://health.hawaii.gov/tb/.
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