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December 13, 2023
Active TB Disease
While Lake County's estimated TB incidence rate for active TB is usually lower than that of the U.S., between 2021 and 2022, it rose by 128%. In 2022, 21 active cases were reported, which represented an incidence rate of 2.9 per 100,000 people. This is a higher rate than the reported state and national rates. Among the active TB cases identified in 2022, 76% of these residents were born outside of the United States. Of the active cases identified, 86% (18) were put on treatment and three died prior to the initiation of treatment. TB may or may not have been the direct cause of death in those cases. No cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) or extensively drug resistant (XDR) TB were identified.
Latent TB Infection (LTBI)
In 2022, there were 836 lab reports of confirmed latent TB infections.
Call to Action: Identifying TB and Preventative Measures
As healthcare providers, you play a pivotal role in the identification and prevention of TB. Given the recent surge in active TB cases, we urge heightened awareness and recommend the following steps:
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Screening: Vigilantly screen patients at risk for TB infection, especially those born outside of the United States, and for patients exhibiting TB symptoms.
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Testing: Utilize available diagnostic tools to confirm or rule out LTBI and/or active TB in patients at risk.
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Treatment: Initiate treatment promptly for those diagnosed with active TB, with a special emphasis on individuals at higher risk. Report or refer all active TB cases to the Lake County Health Department’s TB Clinic by phone at (847)-377-8700, or by fax at (847) 984-5815.
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Preventative Measures: Prescribe LTBI treatment to curb the progression to active TB disease.
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