Tuberculosis (TB) rates are going up all over the U.S., even here in Orange County. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
As of 2023, the United States has seen an increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases.
- 2023: The U.S. reported 9,633 TB cases, with an incidence rate of 2.9 cases per 100,000 persons. This represents a 15.6% increase in case count compared to 2022 and an 8.3% increase compared to 2019.
- 565 people died from TB in 2022.
- 2024: Provisional data indicates 10,347 TB cases, with a rate of 3.0 cases per 100,000 persons. This is an 8% increase in case count and a 6% increase in the incidence rate from 2023.
In Orange County, CA, the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases has varied over the past few years:
- 2022: There were 170 cases of active TB disease, which was a 23.2% increase from 2021.
- 2021: The number of cases was lower, but specific figures weren’t provided in the sources.
On average, about 14 cases of active TB disease are diagnosed each month in Orange County.
The bad news is that there may be about 200,000 latent TB cases in Orange County. Latent tuberculosis (TB) infection, also known as latent TB, occurs when a person is infected with the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but the bacteria remain inactive in the body.
People with latent TB do not exhibit symptoms and cannot spread the disease to others. However, the bacteria can become active later, leading to active TB disease.
Key points about latent TB:
- No Symptoms: Individuals with latent TB do not feel sick and do not have symptoms.
- Non-Contagious: They cannot spread TB bacteria to others.
- Positive Test: They usually have a positive TB skin test or TB blood test.
- Normal Chest X-ray: Their chest X-rays are typically normal, and sputum tests are negative.
- Risk of Activation: Without treatment, about 5-10% of people with latent TB will develop active TB disease at some point in their lives.
- Treating latent TB is crucial to prevent the progression to active TB disease. This typically involves a course of antibiotics.
The rise in TB cases is attributed to recovery from pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, increased travel and migration, and outbreaks in several states.
Common symptoms of TB include:
- Persistent cough (lasting three weeks or longer)
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
TB can be treated with a course of antibiotics, but treatment typically lasts several months. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease.
Healthcare providers and laboratories are required to report confirmed or suspected active TB disease in an Orange County resident to Orange County TB Control within one (1) working day.
Orange County Tuberculosis (TB) Control also has a full-service clinic in Santa Ana for TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment. It is located at:
Orange County Health Care Agency Clinic, at 1725 West 17th Street, 101E, Santa Ana, CA 92706.
Call: (714) 834-8717 for an appointment and for more information.
Directions and Parking: Cross streets are 17th Street and College. Parking is available in the front of the building on 17th Street. Map and driving directions to the PDS Clinic. OCTA Bus route 60 runs directly in front of the building.
- Open: Monday through Friday
- 8 AM – 12 PM and 1-4 PM (closed for lunch 12-1 PM)
- Note: TB skin testing is not done on Thursdays
- Closed: Weekends and holidays
