As of 5/1/2009, there are no confirmed cases of the swine flu in Hawaii.  Two people in Hawaii are being tested but neither have been confirmed at this point.  At this time, there are no travel advisories or warnings issued about travel to Hawaii.

The state of Hawaii is taking the following steps to prevent an outbreak on the islands:

• Hawaiian physicians on all islands have been asked to be on the alert for the H1N1 virus in patients.
  
• Health surveillance and diagnostic protocols have been put in place at Honolulu International Airport.  These protocols have also been put in place on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
  
• The State Department of Health has reported that Hawaii’s active H1N1 airport screening procedures exceed what the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for at this time.
  
• For current info, you can go to the Hawaii Department of Health website at: http://www.state.hi.us/doh

To reduce your chances of catching any type of flu, the following personal hygiene practices should be followed:

• Wash your hands frequently.
  
• Cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze.
  
• Avoid any type of close contact with persons who are coughing and or appear ill.

If you have any questions about swine flu, you can call the toll-free information hotline sponsored by the state of Hawaii at (866)767-5044, extension 3.  The phones are manned Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on the weekend.

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