So far, at least 67 active cases and two deaths have been confirmed.
However, the ongoing outbreak isnt the largest in recent history, according to a CDC spokesperson.
In 2021, a nationwide TB outbreak linked to a contaminated bone graft product sickened 113 patients.
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This is because TB usually spreads only after prolonged exposure to someone whos infected.
How Dangerous Is Tuberculosis?
TB is an airbornebacterial infectioncaused by the organismMycobacterium tuberculosis.
It primarily affects the lungs.
Not everyone infected with TB becomes sick.
People can have inactive or latent TB and have no symptomsand they cannot spread TB to others.
If theyre not treated with medications, they can progress toactive TBand become infectious, Patel explained.
Some people, especially older adults, infants, and those who are immunocompromised, may develop active TB.
TB germs can take a long time to die.
Treatment plans for both inactive and active TB can take months and involve multiple medications.
How Likely Is It for Tuberculosis to Spread Widely?
Patel said there are cases of TB in every state at the moment.
In 2023, the national rate for TB was 2.9 cases per 100,000 people.
Four U.S. statesCalifornia, Texas, New York, and Floridausually report half of all TB cases nationwide.
Even if someone’s vaccinated with the BCG TB vaccine, they can still get infected.
Currently, some more TB vaccine candidates are in late-stage clinical trials.
Symptoms can include persistent coughing, chest pain, and weakness.
If youve been exposed to someone who has TB, contact your local health department for testing.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tuberculosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Reported tuberculosis in the United States, 2023.
Johns Hopkins Center for Tuberculosis Research.Vaccine preparedness.
