U.S. Medical News: Tuberculosis Infections Rises By 17 Percent In San Diego With More Than 175,000 Individuals Having Latent TB!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 10, 2024 9 months, 1 week, 6 days, 5 hours, 17 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: In a concerning development, public health officials in San Diego County have reported a staggering 17% increase in active tuberculosis (TB) cases over the past year. This surge, totaling 243 cases in 2023, exceeds the average of 205 cases documented in 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, the prevalence of latent TB infection in the region is estimated to be affecting over 175,000 individuals, the majority of whom are unaware of their condition.
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/tuberculosis_control_program/assets/fact_sheets/TB_ElimFS_2023%20edition.pdf
Tuberculosis Infections Rises By 17 Percent In San Diego
Already in 2024, reported cases of TB are also indicating an increasing trend. Some are attributing these to COVID-19 possibly reactivating latent TB or COVID-19 induced immune dysfunction and even COVId-19 induced immunodeficiency as behind this TB surge!
Already various
U.S. Medical News coverages are showing a surge of various disease spanning from measles, RSV, adenovirus, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, various fungal infections, HIV etc across various parts of the United States…and it is believed that a dysfunctional immune system due to COVID-19 could be a contributing factor.
Understanding Tuberculosis and Its Transmission
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease transmitted through the air when an individual with active TB coughs, speaks, sings, or breathes. The symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Dr Wilma Wooten, the county public health officer, emphasizes the importance of recognizing these symptoms promptly. She urges individuals who suspect exposure to TB or experience symptoms to contact their healthcare provider for testing.
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/default.htm
Factors Contributing to the Surge
The reported increase in TB cases comes as a surprise, considering that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a decline in TB instances. Health officials attribute this decline to pandemic-related precautions such as masking and social distancing, which may have inadvertently reduced TB transmission. Additionally, disruptions in the healthcare system and changes in individual care-seeking behaviors during the pandemic might have led to delayed diagnoses.
Latent TB Infections Pose a Silent Threat
One alarming revelation is that more than 175,000 people in San Diego County are believed to have latent TB infection, a condition where individuals carry the bacteria without exhibiting symptoms. Without preventive treatment, up to 10% of these individuals may progress to develop active, contagious TB disease. This highlights the need for widespread awareness, testing, and early intervention to curb the potential
spread of the disease.
San Diego County's Response and Initiatives
In 2020, the County Board of Supervisors approved the San Diego TB Elimination Initiative, a comprehensive plan aimed at eradicating TB in the region. The initiative collaborates with 25 public-private partnerships, including schools, medical providers, and community groups, to promote TB prevention through screening, testing, and treatment. The goal is to target those most at risk of TB and enhance community-wide efforts to eliminate the disease.
Upcoming San Diego TB Prevention Education and Community Engagement Summit
To further bolster these efforts, San Diego County is hosting the San Diego TB Prevention Education and Community Engagement Summit on March 22 at the Southeastern Livewell Center. This event aims to bring together professionals from the medical community and health care organizations to discuss strategies, share insights, and collectively work towards addressing the TB surge. Community engagement is crucial in disseminating information, encouraging testing, and facilitating treatment for those at risk.
https://web.cvent.com/event/693b3d56-499e-4a66-9fac-57dbfbb9845b/summary?locale=en-US
TB Clinic and Testing Facilities
The county operates a dedicated TB clinic at the North Central Public Health Center on 5055 Ruffin Road. Public Health Services also offers testing at various regional public health centers throughout the county, ensuring accessibility and availability of diagnostic services.
Conclusion
The recent spike in tuberculosis cases in San Diego County is a cause for significant concern among public health officials. With a 17% increase in active TB cases and a large number of individuals harboring latent TB infection, urgent and concerted efforts are needed to curb the spread of this infectious disease. The San Diego TB Elimination Initiative, ongoing public-private partnerships, and the upcoming summit reflect the county's commitment to tackling this issue head-on. It is imperative for individuals to be vigilant about TB symptoms, seek timely testing, and actively participate in preventive measures to protect themselves, their families, and the broader community from the growing threat of tuberculosis.
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