Tuberculosis Cases on the Rise in the U.S.: Health Officials Sound Alarm
Health officials are raising concerns about a significant rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases across the United States, a condition often called “the white plague.” This nickname derives from the pale appearance of those suffering from the disease.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TB cases decreased due to fewer diagnoses and reduced screenings. However, since then, cases have steadily increased year after year. In 2024 alone, over 10,600 cases were confirmed, equating to roughly three cases for every 100,000 people—a notable rise since 2013 and the third consecutive annual increase.
While this rise is alarming, TB rates in the U.S. remain low compared to many countries globally, where the average is about 131 cases per 100,000—about 40 times higher than in the U.S.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other body parts. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes.
Dr. Renuga Vivekanandan, a professor at Creighton University, indicated that this uptick was expected. She explained that the disruption of TB monitoring and treatment programs during the pandemic has led to many latent infections becoming active. Increased international travel and migration from countries with high TB rates further contribute to this issue.
The increase in TB cases has put strain on healthcare systems that are still recovering from pandemic staffing shortages.
Understanding TBSymptoms
About 25% of people might be infected with TB bacteria, but only 5% to 10% will develop the disease. People with latent TB have the bacteria in their bodies, but they are not contagious unless the bacteria become active. Symptoms can range from mild coughing and chest pain to fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. In severe cases, TB can affect other organs like the kidneys and spine.
Notably, TB mainly targets the lungs. Dr. Masae Kawamura, a former TB control director, emphasized that coughing is the primary way the disease spreads, making lung infections particularly concerning.
Risk Factors and How to Stay Safe
Fortunately, tuberculosis is preventable and treatable. Those at higher risk, including individuals from or frequently visiting countries where TB is common, or those living in crowded conditions, should consider talking to their doctors about testing.
Other high-risk groups include people with diabetes, malnutrition, or weakened immune systems. Children and infants are also more vulnerable.
To diagnose TB, doctors usually perform a skin or blood test followed by imaging or sputum tests to confirm the infection. Treatment typically involves antibiotics taken daily for four to six months. Missing doses can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is harder and more expensive to treat.
If left untreated, TB can be fatal in about half of the cases. However, identifying and treating latent TB infections is crucial to preventing the disease from becoming active and spreading.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening only high-risk populations rather than the general public.
In summary, while the recent increase in TB cases is concerning, awareness and proactive measures can significantly help in curbing the disease and protecting public health.
