Health officials in Camden County have announced that a local resident tested positive for active tuberculosis after visiting a hospital. The individual arrived at the hospital on February 12 with symptoms typical of TB, though the name of the hospital hasn’t been disclosed.
About five days later, on February 17, lab results confirmed the diagnosis of active TB. Following this, the resident was moved to isolation at the hospital and began treatment on February 19.
Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, who works with the Department of Health and Human Services, stated that an investigation is ongoing. They are collaborating with the New Jersey Department of Health to identify those who may have been exposed to the individual.
Fleisher mentioned that the resident’s household members are being tested for TB. At the moment, none have shown symptoms related to the disease.
Although tuberculosis is not a widespread issue in the United States, it remains a significant global health concern. Public health experts emphasize the importance of awareness to help prevent the illness.
TB is transmitted through the air and can linger for several hours. Symptoms typically include a cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, and sometimes coughing up blood, as outlined by the CDC. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can impact other body parts such as the kidneys, spine, and brain.
In 2024, provisional data indicated that there were 10,347 reported TB cases in the country, marking an 8% rise from the previous year. Thirty-four states and Washington D.C. saw increases in TB cases; however, New Jersey did not experience such a rise.
The state reported 343 cases in 2023 and slightly fewer, 342 cases, in 2024. Despite the stable numbers, New Jersey’s TB incidence rate remains higher than the national average—3.6 cases per 100,000 people compared to the national rate of 3 cases per 100,000, per the New Jersey Department of Health.
It’s worth noting that not everyone infected with TB becomes sick right away. Data suggests that many might remain asymptomatic for years before developing active TB.
The CDC estimates around 13 million individuals in the U.S. have inactive TB. While not everyone will develop active TB, it is suggested that about 1 in 10 may progress to the disease later in life if untreated.
The World Health Organization and the CDC recommend testing and treatment for anyone at risk of TB infection.
Although a vaccine for TB exists, it’s not widely recommended in the U.S. due to the low risk of severe disease. When considering vaccination, it’s advised to consult with a TB expert and meet specific criteria.
For further information about TB and to evaluate personal risk factors, it’s beneficial to visit the CDC website.
