The raising of the pandemic alert level by the World Health Organization was not meant to alarm the public or cause undue concern, Hawai'i Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said in a statement yesterday.

"The situation in Hawai'i at this time remains the same with all cases recovering at home with no complications," the statement said.

"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 Hawai'i.

"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. No school closures or other new measures are being implemented at this time."

Hawai'i has 198 confirmed cases of swine flu. The Health Department on Wednesday identified 83 new cases over the past week.