New data shows a concerning spike in tuberculosis cases in Santa Clara County.
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department on Tuesday said the data showed a 19% increase in new tuberculosis, or TB, diagnoses in 2023 when compared to the previous year. The spike follows a 6% increase in new TB cases in the county for 2022 when compared to the previous year.
"These data do not reflect an outbreak, but rather a widely dispersed and increasing community health risk for a contagious illness," the county said in a statement.
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The latest numbers available also show the San Jose area had the highest rate of TB of any metropolitan region in the nation.
Santa Clara County tuberculosis controller Dr. Ann Loeffler suspects people who delayed access to health care during the pandemic may have led to the increase in TB cases.
"Now they're getting back into care and also providers are thinking of diseases besides COVID," Loeffler said.
Officials said small children who live with untreated adults with tuberculosis are at-risk.
County health officials are urging residents with increased risk to seek TB testing and treatment.
For more information and to find a list of TB testing sites in the county, visit sccphd.org/TBinfo.
