World TB Day 2023 is a reminder that TB is a global and local problem
On World TB Day, March 24, 2023, it is important to remember that TB is not just a problem overseas.
Read MoreTag: world tb day
The number of TB cases in King County increased last year. They could have been prevented.
As much as a fourth of the world’s population is estimated to be infected by the tuberculosis bacterium. The vast majority are “latent” infections, meaning the bacteria is dormant, or “asleep,” in people’s bodies. But latent TB infection (LBTI) can lead to active tuberculosis: Ten million people developed active TB in 2020, and 1.5 million people died of the disease globally.
Read MoreGlobal epidemic, local response: TB update in King County
Even though there are medications that can cure and prevent TB disease, too few around the world are currently able to get the treatment they need to make them well and prevent others from getting a disease that kills 4,500 people every day worldwide, and 1.6 million total in 2017 alone.
Read MoreWorld TB Day: Global epidemic hits home
Every week, two new people on average are diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in King County. Many of these cases are investigated, treated and managed through our local TB program without public attention, but we’ve seen recent instances in schools (here and here) and a university, health care facilities (here and here), a group residence and jail […]
Read MoreOn World TB Day, still plenty of work left despite local successes
We saw an increase in TB in the United States for the first time in 23 years. In King County, TB isn’t increasing, but our proportion of TB-infected individuals (those who carry a dormant form of TB (“latently-infected”) is higher than Washington’s or any other region in the state.
Read More