San Diego City Wire

San Diego County News Center - Mar 5, 2024

County Public Health officials in San Diego are alarmed by a 17 percent increase in active tuberculosis (TB) cases reported last year. In 2023, 243 cases of TB were documented, surpassing the average of 205 cases reported in both 2021 and 2022. The fluctuation in TB cases over the past decade has ranged from a high of 264 in 2019 to a low of 193 in 2020.

According to County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten, individuals experiencing symptoms of TB or suspecting exposure to the disease should promptly seek medical attention and get tested. Wooten emphasized the importance of early detection and intervention to curb the spread of TB within the community.

The rise in TB cases comes amidst a backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some experts attributing the decline in TB cases during the pandemic to preventive measures like masking and social distancing. However, disruptions in healthcare seeking behaviors and strains on the healthcare system may have contributed to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation for TB.

More than 175,000 individuals in San Diego County are estimated to have latent TB infection, underscoring the importance of proactive screening and treatment to prevent the progression to active TB disease. To address this public health concern, the County Board of Supervisors approved the San Diego TB Elimination Initiative in 2020, aiming to eradicate TB in the region through collaborative efforts with various public-private partnerships.

As part of the initiative, the County is organizing the San Diego TB Prevention Education and Community Engagement Summit on March 22, 2024, at the Southeastern Livewell Center. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to participate in the summit to enhance their understanding of TB risks and prevention strategies.

Individuals at risk of TB infection are advised to undergo testing, particularly if they exhibit symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Treatment options are available for those diagnosed with TB to prevent the development of active TB disease and mitigate transmission within the community.

The County's dedication to TB prevention and treatment is exemplified through the operation of the TB Clinic at the North Central Public Health Center, where testing and services are provided to residents. Public Health Services also offer testing at various regional public health centers across the County, emphasizing the accessibility of TB screening and care.

In light of the escalating TB cases in San Diego County, public health officials stress the significance of early detection, prompt treatment, and community awareness to combat the spread of TB and safeguard the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.