Tuberculosis — United States, 2019

Weekly / March 20, 2020 / 69(11);286–289

Noah G. Schwartz, MD1,2; Sandy F. Price1; Robert H. Pratt1; Adam J. Langer, DVM1 (View author affiliations)

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Tuberculosis (TB) incidence in the United States has steadily declined since 1993, but the pace of decline has slowed in recent years.

What is added by this report?

The U.S. TB rate during 2019 declined to 2.7 cases per 100,000 persons, the lowest level on record. However, the annual pace of decline (−1.6% from 2018) remains slow, particularly among TB cases that are attributed to reactivation of latent TB infection (LTBI).

What are the implications for public health practice?

To eliminate TB, the United States needs to expand testing and treatment for LTBI while continuing to prevent TB transmission. Partnerships with health care providers, including private providers, are essential for this strategy’s success.