FRIDAY, March 29, 2024 -- Tuberculosis cases are on the rise in the United States, with the number of reported infections in 2023 the highest seen in a decade.
Forty states logged an increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases, and rates were up among all age groups, the study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found. More than 9,600 cases were reported, a 16% increase from 2022 and the highest since 2013.
"Although TB incidence in the United States is among the lowest in the world and most U.S. residents are at minimal risk, TB continues to cause substantial global morbidity and mortality," the researchers wrote in the March 28 issue of the CDC publication Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
"This post-pandemic increase in U.S. cases highlights the importance of continuing to engage communities with higher TB rates and their medical providers in TB elimination efforts and strengthening the capacity in public health programs to carry out critical disease control and prevention strategies," they added.
Experts point to a surge in TB cases internationally -- the World Health Organization has said TB was behind only COVID in infectious fatal diseases worldwide in 2022, the Associated Press reported. There have also been big spikes in migration and post-pandemic international travel, which likely fueled the spread of TB.
Read more here
DATELINEHEALTH AFRICA INC., is a digital publisher for informational and educational purposes and does not offer personal medical care and advice. If you have a medical problem needing routine or emergency attention, call your doctor or local emergency services immediately, or visit the nearest emergency room or the nearest hospital. You should consult your professional healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical or wellness program mentioned or referenced in the DatelinehealthAfrica website. Click here for more disclaimer notice.
