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March 21, 2003
HONOLULU - Although many people believe that Tuberculosis (TB) is a
disease of the past, TB is still a leading killer among infectious
diseases worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that about
2 million people die of TB each year. Without accelerated worldwide
efforts, it is estimated that 70 million could die by the year 2020.
This global epidemic is fueled by the spread of HIV/AIDS and the
emergence of multi-drug resistance.
Drug resistant TB in Hawai`i has increased from 12 cases (in 2001)
to 22 cases (in 2002); 20 of these cases were among foreign-born
persons. Drug resistance has been documented in many nations around the
world. Multi-drug resistant TB cases represent the most challenging and
expensive TB infections to treat and cure.
"This year our TB case rate appears to have stabilized, however the
number of cases with single and multiple drug resistance has nearly
doubled," said Dr. Jessie Wing, Chief of the Department of
Health’s TB Control Program. "We are currently investigating this
significant increase and plan to launch a new initiative to emphasize
new national treatment guidelines for TB and drug resistant TB
throughout Hawai`i."
O`ahu continues to report the highest number of TB cases in the
State. Last year, the City and County of Honolulu reported 121 cases.
On the Neighbor Islands, the County of Maui reported 14 cases, the
County of Hawai`i reported 9 cases, and the County of Kaua`i reported 4
cases of TB in 2002.
- In 2002, the United States reported 15,078 cases of TB,
representing a TB case rate of 5.2 per 100,000
- In 2002, Hawai`i reported 148 cases of TB, representing a TB case
rate of 11.9 cases per 100,000
- Hawai`i TB case rates have fallen 49% over the past decade from
23.5 cases per 100,000 in 1992 to 11.9 cases per 100,000 in 2002.
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by very small bacteria.
It usually affects the lungs, and these cases are most infectious. It
may also infect and affect other parts of the body. Individuals can be
infected with TB when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat
coughs, sneezes, or sings. Signs and symptoms of TB disease include
cough, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss and
fatigue.
The TB program will return to the Lanakila Health Center in the late
spring. Program enhancements include total renovation of the TB clinic,
installation of a digital and network-integrated X-ray system and a
renewed commitment to TB case management and prevention in Hawai`i.
On March 24, Hawai`i will recognize World Tuberculosis
Day. On this day in 1882, Robert Koch announced the discovery of
the TB bacillus. The yearly commemoration is marked by events worldwide
intended to raise awareness of TB and stress the importance of TB
control efforts.
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For more information, contact:
Rachel Blair
Title: Public Health Educator
Program: Hawai`i Tuberculosis Control Program
Phone: (808) 832-5731
E-mail: rablair@tb.health.state.hi.us
For more information, contact:
Dr. Jessie Wing
Hawai`i Tuberculosis Control Program Chief
Phone: (808) 832-5737
E-mail: jxwing@tb.health.state.hi.us
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