Tuberculosis (TB), once thought to be a disease of the past, is experiencing a resurgence in cases across the United States and New Jersey. According to public health officials, 67 active TB cases were reported in the Kansas City metro area in January alone, resulting in two deaths and 79 latent cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an increase in TB cases since 2020, surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. New Jersey is experiencing a similar surge, with a TB incidence rate above the national average.
TB, caused by a bacteria spread through air, often manifests as coughing that lasts longer than two weeks, chest pain, and coughing up blood. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also attack other body parts such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
In 2023, the US reported 9,633 TB cases and an incidence rate of 2.9 per 100,000 persons, the highest since 2016. New Jersey has a higher TB incidence rate, with 343 cases reported in 2023 – a nearly 20% increase from the previous year.
Experts warn that public awareness is crucial to prevent illness. “It’s still around and can sneak up on you,” said Dr. Alfred Lardizabal, executive director of the Global Tuberculosis Institute at Rutgers University. The disease remains one of the top causes of death worldwide, with 8.2 million new cases reported in 2023.
Not everyone infected with TB immediately becomes sick, but most people develop symptoms after living with inactive TB for years. Treatment involves medications such as isoniazid, rifapentine, and rifampin, which can be administered alone or in combination for up to nine months.
The CDC estimates that up to 13 million people in the US have inactive TB, and one in ten will develop full-blown TB disease if left untreated. Experts urge physicians to consider TB as a possible diagnosis, as delayed treatment often results in more morbidity and transmission.
The World Health Organization and CDC encourage anyone at risk for TB infection to get tested and treated. While a vaccine is available, it’s not generally recommended due to the low risk of severe disease in the US.
Source: https://www.nj.com/healthfit/2025/02/tuberculosis-is-making-a-comeback-experts-warn-why-nj-is-at-a-higher-risk.html