PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Tuberculosis is a major health problem worldwide, but how bad is it in the United States?
In 2019, there were 10 million people infected with tuberculosis throughout the world, and over 1.4 million people died. In the United States, there were 9,000 cases of TB reported.
But just beneath the surface is the fact that 13 million are living with what is called latent TB infection. Latent TB can progress to tuberculosis in about five% of people.
The best way to help these people and to prevent spread is to test people for tuberculosis exposure who may be more at risk.
If there is a positive test, we follow up with additional testing and treatment if needed. The screening is working, and each year it saves lives.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
