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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 1997; 18(5): 431-438
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1009358
Copyright © 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

The Epidemiology and Control of Tuberculosis in the United States

Tracy B. Agerton* † , Sarah E. Valway† , Ida M. Onorato†
  • *Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office and
  • †Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

After a dramatic increase in the incidence of tuberculosis from 1985 to 1992 due in part to the AIDS epidemic and an increase in immigration, the tuberculosis incidence rate and the number of cases reported in the United States has declined and continued through 1996. The reasons for this decline have been attributed to the increase in government funding for tuberculosis control efforts and treatment with directly observed therapy. Although the overall incidence has declined since 1992, 31 states and the District of Columbia reported in 1996 case rates greater than 3.5 per 100,000 population, which is the target for the year 2000. Along with the overall decline, the case rates remain high among minorities and in foreign-born persons. Also, several outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis have occurred in some areas. In order to ensure containment of such outbreaks and to sustain the decline of tuberculosis in the United States, the control efforts must remain high priorities for public and private health agencies.

Key Words:

tuberculosis - surveillance - epidemiology