Tuburculosis clinic battles high infection rates

With Hawaii ranking first in the nation for the number of tuberculosis cases, the state Department of Health today unveiled its newly renovated tuberculosis clinic in Kalihi. Officials say the 10,000-square-foot facility at Lanakila Health Center – which now has new X-ray and air circulation systems — serves 50,000 clients a year, free of charge. Last year, 148 cases of tuberculosis were diagnosed in Hawaii, a rate of 11.9 cases per 100,000 people. In addition to having the highest case rates in the U.S., Hawaii has one of the highest proportions of foreign-born cases – 84 percent in 2002, compared to the national average of 51 percent.