Maricopa County Health Officials Address Tuberculosis Cases

PHOENIX — Health officials in Maricopa County are collaborating with nonprofit organizations that support the unhoused after discovering a number of tuberculosis (TB) cases within this community.

A representative from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health has mentioned that this cluster of TB cases is primarily affecting homeless individuals, but specific locations have not been disclosed. Importantly, they also stated that this situation does not pose a risk to the broader community.

ABC15 reached out to Keys to Change, which is the largest campus offering shelter and various services. While they were contacted for more information regarding the outbreak, they refrained from providing specific details, only emphasizing their coordination with the county health department in both preventative and responsive measures.

Amy Schwabenlender, the CEO of Keys to Change, expressed gratitude for the support from the health department in monitoring communicable diseases. She noted their assistance with guidance, testing, and immunizations.

Here’s a statement from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health:

Maricopa County Department of Public Health is responding to a cluster of tuberculosis (TB) cases that is affecting the unhoused community without posing a broader risk to residents. While TB was once considered a high-risk illness, today, screening and treatments are widely accessible, allowing for effective cures.

TB can present with few or no symptoms initially, making it crucial to address it to limit transmission and avoid serious complications. The department routinely investigates active TB cases, identifies close contacts, and connects patients with necessary evaluations and treatments. In this instance, they are working closely with partners to deliver services directly to those impacted, which includes:

• Educating individuals about TB, including its transmission and prevention
• Providing multiple free screening events for those at elevated risk
• Connecting individuals who test positive to care and treatment

Officials remain optimistic that the collaborative efforts among individuals, community partners, and the health department will effectively contain this cluster.

For additional information, you can view the TB fact sheet here.