Important Facts for Tuberculosis (TB) Cases

Definition

Rate of newly reported cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 population.

Numerator

Number of tuberculosis cases by count date.

Denominator

Number of persons in the population.

Why Is This Important?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a type of bacteria called ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis''. TB is typically spread through the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat expels tiny airborne particles (droplet nuclei). People nearby may breathe in these particles and become infected. People who have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not have symptoms, and cannot spread TB. But, they may develop active TB disease at some time in the future. The bacteria usually attack the lungs but may attack any part of the body. The United States experienced a resurgence of TB disease between 1985 and 1992 when the number of TB cases increased by 20%. Early detection and treatment of TB are essential to control the spread of the disease and prevent outbreaks.

Other Objectives

'''HP2030 Objective IID-17:''' Reduce the tuberculosis (TB) case rate for persons living in the United States [[br]] '''U.S. Target:''' 1.4 cases per 100,000 population

How Are We Doing?

In 2023, 34 cases of TB were reported in Utah. For the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, Utah had an average of 28.0 cases of TB reported per year. In 2023 the TB case rate in Utah remained consistent at 1.0 per 100,000 compared to 2022.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

From 2018 to 2022, the case rate of TB in Utah was 0.76 per 100,000 people compared to the national case rate 2.5 per 100,000 people.

What Is Being Done?

The TB Control Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services is charged with reducing the incidence of TB disease through timely reporting and treatment. The Program also provides screening and preventive therapy for those with TB infection. There are 13 local health departments throughout Utah that are the front line of TB case management for the state. Their responsibilities include: * diagnosis of TB infection and active TB disease * treatment of TB infection and active TB disease * ensuring patient adherence to treatment * screening of high-risk populations * coordination/referral * providing culturally appropriate client education.