CDC Warns Large Tuberculosis Outbreaks Doubled in US Since Mid-2010s
Summary
The CDC reports that large tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in the U.S. have doubled from 24 outbreaks between 2014-2016 to 50 outbreaks between 2017-2023. These outbreaks mostly involve U.S.-born people who face challenges like substance use, homelessness, and incarceration, and occur mainly in close-contact settings such as homes and social networks.Key Facts
- Large TB outbreaks are defined as having 10 or more related cases within three years.
- There were 50 large TB outbreaks identified across 23 states from 2017 to 2023, up from 24 outbreaks from 2014 to 2016.
- These outbreaks accounted for 1,092 TB cases out of nearly 62,000 reported in seven years.
- About 80% of people in large outbreaks were U.S.-born, compared to 26% in the broader TB population.
- People involved in outbreaks were more likely to have substance use issues (27%), experience homelessness (9%), or have been incarcerated (11%).
- Children and adults aged 25 to 44 were more often affected in outbreaks than in non-outbreak TB cases.
- Two-thirds of outbreaks took place in family or social settings, and one-quarter happened in places like workplaces, jails, and shelters.
- The CDC recommends better genetic testing of TB bacteria and targeted public health efforts for vulnerable communities.
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