Tuberculosis Case Reporting

At a glance

Tuberculosis (TB) disease is a nationally notifiable disease, and reporting is mandated in all U.S. states.

Health care provider working on a computer.

Overview

Case reporting for TB disease

Tuberculosis has been a nationally notifiable disease since 1951. Today, CDC collects information about cases of TB disease electronically. TB disease case reporting is essential to help control and eventually eliminate TB disease in the United States.

CDC uses these data to:

  • Identify outbreaks of TB disease
  • Track best practices in treating TB disease
  • Monitor TB outcomes
  • Inform TB prevention and intervention guidance and policy
  • Monitor progress towards TB elimination in the United States

State and local TB programs use these data to inform TB activities at the local level. CDC also makes these data available to internal and external research partners to pursue research projects that add to the scientific and clinical understanding of TB in the United States.

Keep Reading: Tuberculosis Data

Case reporting for latent TB infection

Reporting cases of latent TB infection to CDC is optional. Some states and localities have developed legal reporting requirements for latent TB infection to track progress towards TB elimination, facilitate notification to state TB programs, and help local health departments treat latent TB infection to prevent TB disease. Contact your state or local TB program for the reporting requirements for your jurisdiction.

Other reporting requirements

Civil surgeons and panel physicians may have additional reporting requirements. Refer to the technical instructions for more information:


Learn more

Cover image of the 2020 Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis (RVCT) Instruction Manual
Report of Verified Case of Tuberculosis Instruction Manual
This manual includes instructions for how to complete each item on the RVCT. 
Map of latent TB infection reporting requirements in United States.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection Laws
Some states and localities have legal reporting requirements for latent tuberculosis infection.
Woman walks through airport with a suitcase
International Notification
Help people continue treatment for TB disease if they travel or move outside the United States.

Resources

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System Tuberculosis Case Definitions
Tuberculosis and Latent TB Infection Message Mapping Guide
Tuberculosis Data
CDC publishes data on a variety of tuberculosis (TB) topics to track progress towards elimination.
TB Programs
U.S. state and local health departments are responsible for preventing and controlling tuberculosis.
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Content Source:
Division of Tuberculosis Elimination ; National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention