In 2023, the United States saw its highest number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in a decade, with more than 9,600 cases reported. This marked a significant 16% increase from the previous year, with forty states across the country reporting a rise in TB cases among all age groups.
Most cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in individuals born in other countries, highlighting the importance of global efforts to control the spread of TB. Factors contributing to the increase include a surge in TB cases internationally, migration, post-pandemic international travel, and other illnesses that weaken the immune system.
Despite the alarming increase, the U.S. still maintains a lower rate of new TB cases compared to many other countries. Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that attack the lungs and is spread through the air. In 2023, an estimated 85% of individuals counted were infected with latent TB, which can reactivate when the immune system is compromised.
The role of COVID-19 in the increased reactivation of TB remains unclear. However, efforts are being made to develop TB vaccines and implement new prevention strategies. Federal funding for state and local health departments has remained stagnant, leading to shortages of key antibiotics used to combat TB.
Additionally, drug-resistant TB infections have appeared in a fraction of cases, posing a significant challenge in the fight against this infectious disease. Public health workers are working tirelessly to address the rise in TB cases and ensure the well-being of individuals across the nation.
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