CDC Releases 2023 Provisional U.S. Tuberculosis Data

Dear Colleague Letters

March 28, 2024

Dear Colleague:

On March 24, we observed World Tuberculosis (TB) Day to commemorate the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes TB. World TB Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to ending TB disease in the United States and around the world, especially as we continue to manage the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on TB elimination efforts.

In 2022, the World Health Organization reported a second consecutive year of increasing TB case counts. Consistent with the global trend, provisionally reported TB data in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report show a continued increase in U.S. TB cases in 2023. There were 9,615 provisionally reported TB cases in the United States in 2023, compared to 8,895 in 2019 – the most recent pre-pandemic year. Continued recovery from pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, worldwide increases in TB, and increases in post-pandemic travel and migration are likely contributing to these increases.

Other key findings from the report include:

• Forty states and Washington D.C. reported an increase in TB cases and rates.
• Cases of TB disease increased among nearly all demographic groups in 2023; however, persistent disparities remain, as TB continues to disproportionately affect groups that have historically experienced greater obstacles to health.
• As before the pandemic, TB rates in 2023 were highest among non–U.S.-born people.

Despite the increases, the United States continues to maintain one of the lowest TB incidence rates in the world, and domestic TB transmission remains rare. This is a testament to the tireless efforts of TB programs in our nation, and CDC is proud to recognize the efforts of over 30 U.S. TB Elimination Champions who are working to end TB in their communities.

With cases continuing to rise around the world and in the United States, it's more important than ever to work with community health care providers to encourage them to "Think TB" when they are treating people with respiratory symptoms, especially if they have lived in or traveled to countries where TB is more common. It is also vital to maintain strong state and local public health programs and continue to engage communities with higher rates of TB in elimination efforts.

We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of all state and local health departments throughout the United States whose staff collected and reported the information used in the provisional TB data publication.

Thank you for your work and commitment to eliminate TB in the United States.

Sincerely,

Philip LoBue, MD, FACP, FCCP
Director
Division of Tuberculosis Elimination
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Jonathan Mermin, MD, MPH
Rear Admiral, USPHS (retired)
Director
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Stay connected: @DrMerminCDC & Connections