The rate of new TB (tuberculosis) cases in the USA in 2011 was the lowest since 1953, when official records began, says a new report issued by MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), CDC. The 2011 rate of 3.4 cases per 100,000 people was 6.4% lower than the previous year. 10,521 new TB cases were reported in America last year.
The authors explained that the percentage drop from 2010 to 2011 was higher than the 3.8% drop from 2000 to 2008, but less than the 11.4% decline during the 2008-2009 period (a record fall).
Although there has been in a fall in the number of reported TB cases in US-born and foreign-born people, there remains a disproportionately higher rate among foreign born persons and some racial/ethnic minorities – a rate 12 times greater among foreign-born compared to US-born people.
FIGURE 2. Number and rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases among U.S.-born and foreign-born persons, by year reported – United States, 1993-2011
Non-Hispanic Asians are now the racial/ethnic group with the largest number of patients with reported TB, for the first time; having overtaken those of Hispanic descent.
Compared to non-Hispanic whites, the TB rate is:
- 25 times greater among non-Hispanic Asians
- 8 times greater among non-Hispanic blacks
- 7 times greater among Hispanics
The largest difference in TB rates among those born in the USA in 2011, was between non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites; the rate is six times greater among non-Hispanic blacks.
FIGURE 1. Rate of tuberculosis cases – United States, 2011 (Per 100,000 population)
US health authorities say the overall decline in TB rates is good news. However, there is a continued need for surveillance and awareness. Among minorities and foreign born people, initiatives must be pursued to improve testing, awareness and treatments, the authors stressed.
Written by Christian Nordqvist