Tuberculosis Cases Rise in the USA
It may sound like something from history books. But it’s real and happening now. The disease, which once scared everyone around the world, is slowly making a comeback. It’s the White Plague, also known as Tuberculosis. And the surprising part is, the tuberculosis cases are rising again in the United States. Should we be worried again?
Priya Shete, an associate professor of medicine and tuberculosis researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, said, “The global is local, and the local is global, so if we’re not able to address the global burden of tuberculosis, we’ll continue to see it everywhere.”
What is Tuberculosis and Why is it Dangerous?
Tuberculosis is a communicable, airborne disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It majorly affects the lungs in the respiratory system. But it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, bones, and kidneys.
It was once called the White Plague. And the reason is that it caused extreme weight loss and made people look pale and weak. Many people died from it even before there was proper treatment available.
Some people develop latent TB, where the bacteria remain dormant, while others develop active TB, which is contagious.
TB spreads through the air. The bacteria enter another person’s body through tiny aerosols when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. This makes it spread easily, especially in crowded places.
Common Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Sometimes, Tuberculosis can be hidden in the body. This is known as Latent TB. It shows clear symptoms when it becomes active. The symptoms of TB are,
- A cough that lasts for weeks
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats
- Sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
Many people mistake these White Plague symptoms for common illnesses such as the flu, RSV, and the common cold. This delays proper treatment.
Why Are Cases Rising Again in the US?
Recent reports state that the TB cases are increasing in the USA. There were over 10,300 cases reported in 2024. An 8% increase from 2023, marking the highest case count since 2011. The outbreak popped up in American high schools beyond the Bay Area, with confirmed cases on Long Island, New York, and in Seattle in February. This could be one of the largest American outbreaks since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started reporting the data on tuberculosis in the 1950s. There were 68 active cases, 91 latent infections, and two deaths in Kansas two years ago. This was the highest in over a decade. And the reasons behind this rise are,
- Increased travel after COVID-19: People are travelling more than before. This could be a reason the disease is spreading faster.
- Migration and crowded living conditions: These factors increase the risk of infection
- Drug resistance: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is becoming more resistant to the normal antibiotics. This makes it harder to treat Tuberculosis.
Experts say that even if one country controls TB, it can still come back if it is not controlled globally.
What could be the Treatment for TB?
The good news is that tuberculosis is both preventable and curable. However, the treatment is long and requires patience.
Antibiotics should be given to the patients for 6 to 9 months. Stopping the treatment in the early stages makes the bacteria more resistant to drugs. This causes drug-resistant TB and makes it harder to cure.
Dr. Kohta Saito, an assistant professor of medicine and assistant attending physician at Weill Cornell Medicine, said, “Unfortunately, the sheer length of these regimens increases the risk of significant side effects.”
Many patients also face side effects during the treatment. This makes it difficult for them to continue the full course of treatment.
Who are all at Higher Risks?
People with HIV/AIDS, Diabetic patients, immunocompromised people, and people who are living in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces are more likely to get sick from Tuberculosis.
This shows that TB is not just a medical issue but also linked to living conditions and overall health.
What could be the prevention for Tuberculosis?
Prevention of Tuberculosis is possible. The Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine is used in many countries where TB is common. However, it does not completely protect adults from lung tuberculosis.
Simple steps can still make a big difference:
- Wearing masks in crowded places
- Improving ventilation in homes and workplaces
- Getting tested early if symptoms appear
- Completing treatment without skipping doses
A Global Problem That Needs Attention
Dr Lucica Ditiu, a physician and executive director of the Stop TB Partnership, said, “There is no country in the world that has eliminated TB, or that is TB free. As long as we breathe, we are all at risk.”
The return of the White Plague is a reminder that old diseases can still challenge us. Even though Tuberculosis is curable, ignoring it can make it deadly.
The key is awareness, early detection, and completing treatment.
Because in today’s world, staying informed is just as important as staying safe.
