Last week, public health authorities disclosed a 17% surge in active tuberculosis cases within San Diego County compared to the preceding year.

In 2023, health authorities documented 243 instances of TB, surpassing the average of 205 cases reported in 2021 and 2022. Over the past decade, the number of annual reported cases has fluctuated, hitting a peak of 264 in 2019 and dropping to a low of 193 in 2020.

Tuberculosis spreads through the air when the infected coughs, speaks, sings, or breathes. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

The county public health officer, Dr. Wilma Wooten, emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if one experiences TB symptoms or suspects exposure to an infected individual. "If you or a loved one have TB symptoms or think you may have been around someone with TB, it's important that you call your doctor or health care provider and get tested," she said, according to NBC 7 San Diego. She underscored the increasing prevalence not only in San Diego County but statewide. Urging swift action to curb the spread and protect communities, Dr. Wooten advised prompt testing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the county observed a decline in tuberculosis cases, potentially attributed to pandemic-related precautions like masking and social distancing. Delays in seeking medical attention could have occurred due to the strain on the healthcare system or shifts in care-seeking behaviors.

San Diego County estimates that over 175,000 individuals may harbor latent TB infections, often undetected. Without preventive measures, up to 10% of these individuals could develop active and contagious TB disease.

The county is organizing the San Diego TB Prevention Education and Community Engagement Summit at the Southeastern Livewell Center on March 22 to address this public health concern. The medical community and healthcare organizations are encouraged to attend and actively participate in this crucial initiative.