In response to the World Health Organization declaring a swine flu pandemic, Hawaii Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino issued this statement today:

"The raising of the pandemic alert level by the World Health Organization was not meant to alarm the public or cause undue concern. The situation in Hawai‘i at this time remains the same with all cases recovering at home with no complications.

“The DOH is continuing to closely monitor the spread and severity of the novel H1N1 Influenza A virus. This does not change the state’s response to cases of novel H1N1 Influenza A in Hawaii.

“The DOH already implemented its pandemic influenza response plan at the start of the outbreak back in late April when the CDC appraised all states of the situation. The DOH continues to identify, investigate and monitor cases statewide; work with our local physicians and clinical laboratories; and stay in regular communication with our national and international public health counterparts. No school closures or other new measures are being implemented at this time.”

Hawaii has 198 confirmed cases of swine flu. The health department yesterday identified 83 new cases over the past week.