Tuberculosis is becoming a more serious global health problem. TB infections in children rose 10% in Europe last year. Reported TB cases also increased in the U.S. last year.
An outbreak began in January 2024 in Kansas City, Kansas. TB kills more than 1 million people worldwide every year. The growing threat poses greater risk to poorer countries.
Recent U.S. aid cuts have disrupted global TB treatment programs. The Trump administration’s cuts weakened support for international TB work. Many global TB efforts depend heavily on U.S. financial aid.
What Data Shows Increased TB in the U.S.?
More than 10,300 health agencies reported TB cases in 2024. They recorded over 10,300 TB cases across the United States. This number shows an 8% rise from TB cases in 2023. It’s the highest TB count reported since 2011, new data shows.
Total TB cases and infection rates are rising across the country. All age groups are seeing more TB infections than before. Thirty-four states reported increased TB case counts last year.
CDC officials blame international travel and migration for rising infections. Most U.S. TB cases affect people born outside the country. Weakened immune systems can reactivate TB and cause new infections.
Outbreaks in some states have added to the national rise. Kansas saw a 148% jump in its TB rate last year. Alaska and Hawaii still have the highest TB rates nationwide.
A Kansas City outbreak started in January of last year. It spread to two nearby counties by early March 2024. So far, the outbreak has infected 147 total people. 67 people became ill with active TB symptoms. The other 80 have latent TB with no visible symptoms.
What Data Shows Increased TB in the EU?
In Europe, child TB infections rose 10% last year, WHO reports. The agency recorded over 7,500 TB cases in kids under 15. That number is 650 more cases than were seen in 2020. Experts say this rise shows growing TB transmission across the region.
Ukraine and Russia have the highest TB burdens in Europe. Part of the increase comes from better diagnosis and reporting. But war-driven migration is also likely raising TB infections. 2024 marked the third consecutive year child TB cases climbed in the EU.
WHO also warned about donor funding cuts in poorer nations. These cuts impact TB programs outside the European Union.
In poor regions, treatment supplies are running low or disappearing. Local TB workers in those areas now face growing risks. Officials warn of worse outbreaks and drug-resistant TB strains.
TB spreads easily in poverty, poor housing, and malnutrition. Experts say urgent global action is needed to stop its spread.
What Do You Need to Know about TB?
TB is a lung disease known for a harsh, lasting cough. It spreads through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or breathing.
Worldwide, TB is the top infectious killer after COVID-19. It kills more people than HIV, malaria, or the flu.
TB is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterial infection. The bacteria has affected humans for thousands of years. Researchers found signs of TB in 9,000-year-old Mediterranean bones.
Multi-drug treatment is the only proven cure for tuberculosis. Streptomycin was the first real TB antibiotic in the 1940s. The bacteria soon developed resistance, requiring new drug treatments. Isoniazid, from the 1950s, became a first-line TB treatment.
Doctors now use two- and four-drug combinations to treat TB. Active TB treatment lasts at least six full months. Interruptions spread disease and help drug-resistant strains form. Drug-resistant TB requires at least nine months of treatment.
All TB drugs are toxic and reduce quality of life. Early detection lowers spread and prevents drug-related poverty.
Teaching symptoms and treatment is key to stopping TB. People with latent TB often don’t know they’re infected. Without symptoms, they don’t seek testing or medical care.
Health officials stress the need for early testing and awareness. Stopping TB will demand long-term effort from countries worldwide.
Conclusion
TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases today. Its rise demands early detection, public education, and global cooperation. Without action, drug resistance and poverty will continue to fuel outbreaks.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
