Tuberculosis cases in the U.S. jumped over 9% in 2021 from 2020 numbers, though cases are still significantly lower than years prior,Cases "substantially" fell by nearly 20% in 2020 which researchers say is likely due to either delayed diagnoses or a true reduction because of mitigation efforts and changes in travel policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"TB control and prevention services, including early diagnosis and complete treatment of TB and latent TB infection, should be maintained and TB awareness promoted to achieve elimination in the United States." "Timely evaluation and treatment of TB and latent tuberculosis infection remain critical to achieving U.S. TB elimination," they added.
"A delayed or missed TB diagnosis leads to TB disease progression and can result in hospitalization or death – and the risk of transmitting TB to others," Philip LoBue, director of CDC’s Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, . "The nation must ensure that healthcare providers understand how to diagnose and distinguish TB disease from potential cases of COVID-19."