March 24 is known across the globe as World Tuberculosis Day.  As a reminder, The State of Hawai’i Department of Health is urging residents who may be at risk for tuberculosis to get tested.   It is estimated that one fourth of the world’s population may carry tuberculosis  No one knows for sure how many people in Hawai‘i have this infection, but the Hawai‘i Department of Health estimates the number could be as high as 70,000 to 100,000 residents.

Approximately 10 percent of people who are infected with latent TB will go on to develop active TB disease and they could benefit from medication to prevent the development of this infectious and serious illness.

TB is a disease that is commonly seen in the lungs but can be spread from person-to-person through the air when a person with active TB disease in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, tiny drops containing M. tuberculosis may be spread into the air. If another person inhales these drops, there is a chance they may become infected with TB.  Two forms of TB exist, both of which are treatable and curable:

“Hawai‘i residents are particularly vulnerable because of our close ties to areas of the world where TB is more common. Those who travel frequently and spend time in countries where TB occurs or who have close contact with a person with active TB disease are at the greatest risk of being exposed and infected by TB,” MacNeill said in a press release.

In 2020, Hawai‘i had a total of 94 cases of active TB.

Testing consists of a TB skin test or a newer blood test called Quantiferon Gold In-tube test. Anyone with a history of a positive TB skin test or blood test, should ask their doctor if preventive medication would be helpful. Testing for TB infection is recommended for adults and children at risk and covered under most health insurance plans.

For more information on tuberculosis or the program’s services and activities, call (808) 832-5731 or visit health.hawaii.gov/tb.