If TB control is not strengthened, by the year 2020, nearly one billion people will become infected and 70 million will die from this curable disease. After many years of escalating TB case rates, Hawaii has recently seen a reduction in its numbers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognized Hawaii as one of only six states with a significant decrease in cases within the past year. Last year, the City and County of Honolulu reported 107 cases of TB and an incidence rate of 12.4 cases per 100,000 population. On the Neighbor Islands, in 2000 the County of Maui reported 20 cases of TB and an incidence rate of 16.4 cases per 100,000.
Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by very small bacteria.
It usually affects the lungs, but may damage other parts of the body as well. Individuals can become 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.