#tuberculosis hawaii

In 2023 Hawaiʻi had 116 diagnosed cases of active TB, up from 100 cases in 2022. This increase parallels the global and mainland experience in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic.  In 2023 approximately 1.5 million people died from TB worldwide, with 16 of those deaths occurring in Hawai‘i.  

In 2020, Hawai‘i had a total of only 94 cases of active TB; a significant drop from previous years. However, Hawai‘i has one of the highest number of cases in the US for its population size.

Tuberculosis clearance requirements for childcare, school, post-secondary institutions and for food handlers have been reinstated by the state Department of Health effective June 1, 2020.

The Hawai‘i Department of Health is waiving routine TB clearance requirements for selected groups to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts.  The suspension will remain in effect through May 31, 2020.

State health officials will test students and faculty at Kapiolani Community College and Hawai’i Pacific University for tuberculosis due to possible exposure from a student being treated for active TB.

The Hawaii State Department of Health joins in the observance of World Tuberculosis Day today, March 24.