THE INDEPENDENT [UK] – Cases of tuberculosis are on the rise for the first time in decades amid one of the worst outbreaks of the world’s deadliest infectious disease in the nation’s history.
Over the course of the last week, Durham’s Duke University Hospital has seen fewer than 10 cases. But that’s still higher than normal, according to infectious disease scientist Dr. Nicholas Turner.
“We absolutely have had a handful of cases in our area,” Turner told WRAL News. “The numbers we have seen are a bit high for January alone.”
Last year, the state saw 250 active tuberculosis cases, and 215 were reported in 2023. That marks an increase from 164 cases recorded during the previous year.
The last time the numbers were that high was in the 1980s, the station noted.
“Immigrant populations have high rates of active tuberculosis.” – Canadian Medical Association Journal
The North Carolina Department of Health told The Independent that there have been five new cases of active tuberculosis this year.
Concerns in North Carolina follow a shocking outbreak in Kansas, where 67 cases were reported and two people died …
