United States: In the United States, health authorities have sounded the alarm regarding tuberculosis, issuing a warning specifically for Sweetwater High School due to potential exposure to the disease.
San Diego County officials have revealed that the exposure risk period spans from July 19 to December 15, 2023.
Authorities have diligently monitored individuals at the highest risk of infection and have provided thorough awareness of the situation. Additionally, they’ve arranged for no-cost tuberculosis screenings.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer, emphasized that tuberculosis often manifests as latent TB infection, which may not immediately cause illness. However, untreated latent TB can lead to future illness, sometimes years later. Effective diagnostic methods include blood and skin tests.
Understanding Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease transmitted through activities such as coughing, speaking, singing, and breathing. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, night sweats, fever, and sudden weight loss. Fortunately, early detection allows for successful treatment with medications.
Tuberculosis in San Diego County
Although tuberculosis posed a threat to San Diego County in the 1990s, the number of active TB cases declined over time. However, a recent increase in cases has reignited concerns.
Tuberculosis Trends in the US
The rise in tuberculosis cases isn’t limited to San Diego County. Nationwide reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate an annual increase since 2020, with approximately 8,300 cases reported in 2023. Despite this uptick, the current numbers remain lower than pre-pandemic levels.
Pandemic Impact on Tuberculosis Cases
Medical professionals attribute the surge in tuberculosis cases during the pandemic to limited access to healthcare and reduced diagnostic efforts.
Dr. Richard Chaisson of Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Tuberculosis Research noted a decline in TB testing nationwide due to the focus on COVID-19. He suggests that some active TB cases could have been prevented with more comprehensive testing protocols.