Tuberculosis cases are rising in North Carolina, with a recent outbreak in the Kansas City area where 67 people are being treated for the highly contagious disease. Dr. Nicholas Turner, an infectious disease specialist with Duke Health, attributed the surge to the COVID-19 pandemic, which reduced access to preventative services.
According to Turner, tuberculosis is typically spread through air particles and impacts the lungs, causing symptoms such as coughing, fever, and weight loss. The illness usually lasts up to three weeks but can be fully treated with proper care.
The Wake County area has seen a significant increase in cases, with 25 confirmed cases reported in 2023, followed by Mecklenburg County with 37 confirmed cases. North Carolina saw over 1,000 cases in the 1980s, the last time the numbers were this high.
Turner stressed that the tuberculosis vaccine does not offer much protection for adults and urged against seeking vaccination. He emphasized the importance of proper testing and treatment to combat the spread of TB.
As part of the outbreak, Duke University Hospital reported less than 10 cases in the last week, while WRAL News is checking with other hospitals for numbers. The state Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is monitoring the situation closely, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts to combat the spread of tuberculosis.
Source: https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/health/tuberculosis-rise-nc-2025