Tuberculosis outbreaks: History, recent cases and what you should know

A look back: TB outbreak history in US

Tuberculosis (TB), once known as “consumption,” was responsible for one of every seven deaths in the US and Europe in the early 20th century (1). TB outbreaks in the US were common in areas with poor ventilation, ineffective sanitation, malnutrition and dense living and working conditions.
US TB incidence declined sharply in the mid-20th century with the introduction of antibiotics, improvements in sanitation and the creation of dedicated public health control programs. However, TB remains a persistent threat, with recent resurgences driven by HIV co-infection, drug-resistant strains and the COVID-19 pandemic. TB exposure and transmission events still occur today, and TB testing, treatment and prevention remain critical priorities for the US CDC.

The hidden threat: Asymptomatic TB infection

Tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Asymptomatic TB infection, also called latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), shows no signs or symptoms and cannot be passed on to others. However, people with TB infection are at risk for progression to serious and contagious TB disease. 

Why millions are infected but unaware

Millions of people are living with TB infection but are unaware because they have no symptoms. Without testing, these individuals often go undiagnosed until TB becomes active and contagious. This hidden reservoir underscores the importance of testing high-risk groups to identify infection early and reduce future transmission.