Tuberculosis Cases Rise in Maine
As of this week, there are three active cases of tuberculosis (TB) reported in Maine, according to the state’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This uptick reflects a concerning trend, with TB cases increasing across the nation.
Lindsay Hammes, a spokesperson for the Maine CDC, confirmed that the agency is currently responding to these cases, all linked to the Greater Portland area. They are reaching out to individuals who may have been in contact with these patients to ensure they get tested.
Interestingly, each case of TB appears to have been contracted from different sources.
Other Recent TB Cases in the U.S.
In addition to the cases in Maine, a high school student in California’s Riverside County has tested positive for an active case of TB and is receiving treatment. The student is optimistic about a full recovery. Moreover, another case was identified recently at a high school in Michigan.
Despite not being as contagious as diseases like the flu or COVID-19, tuberculosis remains the deadliest infectious disease worldwide, causing over a million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization.
Understanding Tuberculosis
The number of TB cases began to rise in the United States again in 2021 after a decline in 2020. In Maine alone, the CDC reported 28 cases of TB so far this year, although they are quick to clarify that there is no outbreak occurring at this time.
Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and fatigue, but not everyone who is infected will show symptoms. TB primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other organs. It spreads from person to person through the air, and fortunately, the disease is treatable with antibiotics.
While the public health community continues to monitor the situation, experts encourage awareness and testing for those who may have been exposed.
