New Cases of TB Decline in U.S.

Washington — New cases of tuberculosis dropped 6.4% in the United States last year, the third year of decline after an eight- year surge.

But there was a worrisome increase incases of the infectious lung disease in some states, government doctors said Friday.

“This is not a time for celebration but a time for cautious and guarded optimism,” said Dr. Kenneth Castro, TB chief at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Last year, 22,812 Americans got active TB, down from 24,361 the year before, the CDC said. That decline followed drops of 5% in 1993 and 4% in 1994.

But 20 states either saw no change or an increase in TB last year. Among the worst rises: Arizona, up 28%; Minnesota, 11%; Iowa, Louisana and Pennsylvania, 9%; and Wisconsin, 7%.

California and New York City were hardest hit by TB, but saw improvement last year. New York City’s cases dropped 18% last year, to 2,445 patients, while California’s dropped 4%, to 4,622 patients.