Now Is the Time Brochure
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Now Is the Time Brochure |
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Many people think that tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the past
— an illness that no longer threatens us today. One reason for this
belief is that, in the United States, we are currently experiencing
a decline in TB and are at an all-time low in the number of new
persons diagnosed with active TB disease.
However, that very success makes us vulnerable to the complacency
and neglect that come with fewer persons suffering with TB. But
it also gives us an opportunity to eliminate TB in this country.
Now is the time to take decisive actions, beyond our current efforts,
that will ensure that we reach this attainable goal.
The Price of Neglect
In the 1970s and early 1980s, the nation let its guard down and
TB control efforts were neglected. The country became complacent
about TB, and many states and cities redirected TB prevention and
control funds to other programs.
Consequently, the trend toward elimination was reversed and the
nation experienced a resurgence of TB, with a 20% increase in TB
cases reported between 1985 and 1992. Many of these were persons
with difficult-to-treat drug-resistant TB.
Back on Track Toward TB Elimination
The nation’s mobilization of additional resources in the 1990s
has paid off:
- We are now at an all-time low in reported TB cases, with 11
consecutive years of decline.
- In 2003, there were 14,874 persons with TB disease reported
in the United States, declining 1.3% from 15,075 cases in 2002.
- This consistent decline is keeping us on track toward TB elimination.
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A Global Perspective on Tuberculosis
- TB is one of the world’s deadliest diseases:
- One-third of the world’s population is infected with TB.
- Each year, 9 million people around the world become sick with
TB.
- Each year, there are over 2 million TB-related deaths worldwide.
- TB is the leading killer of people who are HIV infected.
- TB causes more deaths among women worldwide than all causes
of maternal mortality combined.
What Is TB?
TB is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
When a person with active TB disease coughs or sneezes, tiny particles
containing M. tuberculosis may be expelled into the air.
If another person inhales air that contains these particles, transmission
from one person to another may occur.
However, not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As
a result, two TB-related conditions can exist: latent TB infection
or active TB disease — both of which are treatable and curable.
| A Person with
Latent TB Infection |
A Person with
Active TB Disease |
- usually has a positive tuberculin skin test
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- usually has a positive tuberculin skin test
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- has TB bacteria in his/her body that are alive but inactive
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- has active TB bacteria in his/her body
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- does not feel sick and is not contagious
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- may spread TB bacteria to others
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- may become sick if the bacteria become active in his/her
body
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- feels sick and experiences symptoms such as coughing,
fever, and weight loss
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- should consider treatment for latent TB infection to
prevent active TB disease
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- needs treatment to cure active TB disease
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TB Continues to Lurk Beneath the Surface
There are an estimated 9 to 14 million persons in the United States
with infection from M. tuberculosis.*
About 10% of these infected individuals will develop active TB
disease at some point in their lives.
Some underlying conditions increase the risk that latent TB infection
will progress to active TB disease — the risk may be 3 times higher
(as with diabetes) to more than 100 times higher (as with HIV infection).
* 1999 - 2000 CDC National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey (NHANES)
The Threat of Multidrug-Resistant TB
Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR TB) is active TB disease caused by
bacteria that are resistant to drugs commonly used for treatment.
Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia have reported diagnosing
and caring for persons with MDR TB.
MDR TB is extremely difficult and costly to treat; it has been
estimated that one case can cost up to $1.3 million.
The Global Challenge
In 2003, foreign-born individuals accounted for 53.1% of all TB
cases diagnosed in the United States, as compared to 29% of all
TB cases in 1993.
The number of states with at least 50% of active TB disease reported
among the foreign born has increased from 5 states in 1993 to 25
in 2003.
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HIV and TB Coinfection
Because HIV weakens the immune system, persons with both latent
TB infection and HIV infection have a very high risk of progressing
to active TB disease.
It is crucial that persons with both latent TB infection and HIV
infection receive treatment, coordinated in consultation with experts,
for both of these conditions.
The Burden of TB In Minorities
In 2003, the majority (81%) of all reported TB cases in the United
States occurred in racial and ethnic minorities.
Several factors likely contribute to the burden of TB in minorities.
- Among people from countries where TB is common, TB disease may
result from an infection acquired in their home country.
- Among racial and ethnic minorities, unequal distribution of
TB risk factors, particularly HIV infection, can also increase
the chance of developing the disease.
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Finishing the Job: What Is Needed to Eliminate TB in the United
States
Maintaining Control: By strengthening current TB control, treatment,
and prevention systems, we ensure the ability to diagnose and provide
proper treatment to people with active TB disease and thus prevent
spread to others; we also prevent the emergence of MDR TB.
Accelerating the Decline: By finding better methods of identifying
and treating latent TB infection and improving strategies for reaching
at-risk populations, we will speed our progress toward elimination.
Developing New Tools for Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention:
Through research to develop more effective methods of testing for
latent TB infection, better drugs to treat latent TB infection,
and an effective TB vaccine, we will find vital ways to stop the
progression from latent infection to contagious disease.
Engaging in Global TB Prevention and Control: In providing leadership,
contributing technical support, and forming international partnerships,
we improve global health; worldwide control of TB is in the nation’s
best interest.
Mobilizing Support for TB Elimination: By reaching leaders of high-risk
groups, we can work together to eliminate a disease that burdens
their communities.
Monitoring Progress: By assessing the impact of our elimination
efforts, we can continually monitor our progress and identify and
address any lapses in our efforts.
What You Can Do to Help
- Find out more about TB services in your area.
- Educate your community about TB.
- Ensure that efforts to eliminate TB continue.
Contact Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Division of Tuberculosis Elimination Web Site:
www.cdc.gov/tb
CDC Voice Information System: 1-888-232-3228
TB Education and Training Resources
Web Site:
www.findtbresources.org
TB Education and Training Network
Web Site: www.cdc.gov/nchstp/tb/TBETN
CDC National Prevention Information Network
Web Site:
www.cdcnpin.org
Telephone: 1-800-458-5231
E-mail News Service
A free electronic subscription to summaries of HIV, STD, and TB
news articles can be obtained by sending a blank message to:
www.preventionnews-subscribe@cdcnpin.org. Allow 48 hours for
subscription to become effective.
American Lung Association
Web Site:
www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungtb.html
Telephone: 1-800-LUNG-USA
RESULTS
Web Site:
www.resultsusa.org
Telephone: 1-202-783-7100
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