HONOLULU -- As health officials across the world keep a close watch on a potentially deadly swine flu outbreak, officials in Hawaii say the state has the gift of time.

The disease has killed as many as 81 people in Mexico and the U.S. mainland is seeing a milder strain. There are now two confirmed cases in Kansas, in addition to two cases in Texas and seven in California.

There have been no cases reported in Hawaii, but it could be a matter of time, state epidemiologist and state Department of Health infectious disease specialist Dr. Sarah Park said.

"We don't know if -- is this the pandemic or some version we have been waiting for, or if it will all fizzle out," Park said.

The state is preparing to issue an advisory to doctors in hospitals, clinics and care facilities to be on alert.

Laboratories have already been given a heads-up -- a reminder of guidelines on flu specimens.

If a serious outbreak occurs in the islands, what is playing out in Mexico with school closings and public gatherings discouraged could theoretically happen here.

Families are being encouraged to think about alternatives to child care and transportation.

"Right now while we are in the alert phase and we are watching and preparing, the best thing people can do is to insure they have a plan in place," Park said.

The SARS scare forced states to hone their disaster response plans.

"We have always said we have to be concerned about anything coming from any direction. It can't just be focused on one place," Park said.

Park said she can't stress enough the importance of basic hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.

"It sounds really simple, but it really helps," Park said. "Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Cover your sneeze. If you are ill, make sure you stay home."