World Tuberculosis Day: A 2nd Surge In Tuberculosis Cases Again Seen In The US

Globally, tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for the most deaths of any infectious disease. As per the World Health Organization (WHO) data, around 1.25 million people died from the bacterial infection in 2023. It was also the same year when new cases hit at an all time high, around 8.2 million people being diagnosed with TB.

Historically too, TB was one of the deadliest diseases, which killed 1 in 7 people in the US and in Europe in the late 1800s. However, with the development of antibiotics and strong public health efforts, cases have declined significantly over the 20th century. However this is for the second year in a row that TB cases have increased in the US. The number has reached their highest levels in over a decade.

According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 10,300 cases were reported in 2023—an 8% increase from the previous year. This marks the highest number of TB cases since 2011.

Both the total number of cases and the infection rate have gone up, with 34 states reporting an increase. The rise has been observed across all age groups.

Why Are TB Cases In The US Increasing?

As per CDC, there maybe several key factors that can help us understand what is driving this surge. The factors are as followed:

International Travel and Migration – The majority of TB cases in the U.S. occur in people born in other countries, where latent infections may later develop into active TB.

Weakened Immune Systems – Other illnesses, such as diabetes or HIV, can lower immunity and trigger latent TB infections to become active.

Localized Outbreaks – Certain states have seen sharp spikes in TB cases. For example, Kansas reported a 148% increase in 2023 due to an outbreak in the Kansas City area. Alaska and Hawaii continue to have the highest case rates in the country.

History of TB And the US

Earlier this month, the US called for a halt in USAIDS, which also was spent on war against tuberculosis cases and deaths. This is in reference to the Trump administration's call of USAID cuts, which had provided about a quarter of the international funding for tuberculosis services in other countries. This had amounted to $250 million annually, noted the WHO.

How does US influence the fight against tuberculosis in the world? As per WHO, US funding cuts could affect the drug supply chains in other countries, which are now "breaking down". Not just limited to that, but laboratory services are "severely disrupted" and surveillance systems are "collapsing", which is making it difficult to identify, monitor and treat tuberculosis cases. Some research trials are also affected, since they have been put on a halt.

The highest burden of disease is faced by many countries, the number as of now remains 18, where national tuberculosis programs are also affected. The most vulnerable countries are in Africa.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Without proper treatment, TB can be fatal.

What Are The Symptoms?

• Persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss