In 2023, tuberculosis (TB) cases saw a significant rise, with new diagnoses reaching an estimated 8.2 million, up from 7.5 million cases the previous year, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO). This marks the highest number of TB cases since monitoring began in 1995. This rise has now put TB, once again, as the leading cause of death from infectious diseases, surpassing COVID-19 in 2023.
TB Trends in the U.S.: Case Rise Following COVID-19 Disruptions
The United States has experienced a resurgence in TB cases, with a 16% increase in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of rising diagnoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 9,615 cases, the highest since 2012. Previously, TB had been on the decline for nearly three decades, reaching a low of 7,171 cases in 2020. A majority of cases found in the U.S. cases come from latent TB reactivation rather than recent transmission, with foreign-born individuals making up 76% of new diagnoses in 2023.
Impact on Children: The Growing Threat of TB in Youth
As TB cases rise, children become more at risk of both latent and active TB infection. When a child is exposed to TB, there are two possible outcomes: inactive TB (latent TB infection), which can reactivate later in life, or active TB disease, which can cause serious health complications if untreated.
Inactive TB
In some cases, TB germs can live in a child’s body without causing illness. This is known as inactive TB or latent TB infection. Children with inactive TB aren’t sick, don’t show symptoms, and can’t spread TB to others. However, they risk developing active TB if the infection isn’t treated.
Active TB
Active TB disease occurs when the immune system can’t prevent TB germs from growing. Children with active TB often feel unwell, showing symptoms like coughing, weakness, fever, and weight loss. Active TB is contagious and can spread to others through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or even sings.
Young children are particularly vulnerable to more severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis (TB affecting the brain) and miliary TB (TB spread throughout the body). Without treatment, active TB disease can be fatal, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.
Symptoms of Active TB Disease in Children
TB symptoms vary depending on which part of the body is affected. When TB affects the lungs, children may experience:
● Persistent cough
● General fatigue or weakness
● Weight loss or growth issues
● Fever
● Night sweats
How TB Spreads
TB is an airborne infection that spreads when a person with active TB of the lungs or throat releases the bacteria by coughing or speaking. These germs can stick around for hours, especially in areas with poor ventilation. However, children are less likely to spread TB to others due to lower lung bacteria levels.
Vaccination and the Importance of Protecting Children Against Tuberculosis
The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is widely used to protect children against severe forms of TB. However, it’s rarely used in the U.S. because rates are usually low. In areas where TB is more common, administering the BCG vaccine at birth or in infancy significantly lowers a child’s risk of developing serious TB complications.
The BCG vaccine is typically given as a single injection in the upper arm. Mild side effects are common, like redness or a small sore at the injection site. In rare cases, children may develop a small abscess or experience swollen lymph nodes near the injection area. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Future Challenges and The Need to Stay Informed
The resurgence of (TB) as a global health threat, despite the availability of preventive and treatment tools, highlights the urgency of addressing potential future challenges. Combating TB requires a sustained commitment to early diagnosis. By staying informed, parents can strengthen efforts to control and ultimately eradicate TB, ensuring children won’t need to deal with this disease in the future.
Sources:
World Health Organization: Tuberculosis resurges as top infectious disease killer
