Top 5 Takeaways

1. Increased TB Case Counts Across All Groups: In 2023, the U.S. saw an increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases across all age groups, U.S.-born and non-U.S.–born persons, and most reporting jurisdictions, marking a significant rise from 8,320 cases in 2022 to 9,615 cases in 2023.
2. Higher TB Rates in 2023: The TB rate increased from 2.5 per 100,000 persons in 2022 to 2.9 in 2023, with 40 states and the District of Columbia reporting increases in both case counts and rates.
3. Continued Disparities in TB Incidence: Persistent disparities in TB incidence were noted by birth origin, and race and ethnicity, with the highest rates among non-U.S.–born persons and within certain racial and ethnic groups.
4. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of healthcare and public health systems likely contributed to fluctuations in TB case counts, highlighting the need for robust public health systems.
5. Global and Domestic Public Health Implications: The resurgence of TB cases underscores the ongoing global and domestic challenges in TB control and the importance of enhanced public health strategies for TB elimination.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Paula M. Williams, rwa7@cdc.gov.

Suggested Citation

Williams PM, Pratt RH, Walker WL, Price SF, Stewart RJ, Feng PI. Tuberculosis — United States, 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2024;73:265–270. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7312a4.

Summary

After years of declining TB case counts in the U.S., 2023 saw an increase across all demographics and most jurisdictions. The report underscores the resilience of TB in the face of global public health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need for robust public health strategies to achieve TB elimination.

Methods

The analysis was based on TB case counts from the National TB Surveillance System and population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, detailing increases by jurisdiction, birth origin, race, ethnicity, and age group.

Discussion

The resurgence of TB cases to levels last observed in 2013 signifies the ongoing challenge TB poses to public health, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on healthcare and public health infrastructures.

Conclusion

To counteract the rise in TB cases and move towards elimination, the U.S. must strengthen public health systems, enhance TB control and prevention strategies, and ensure global collaboration to address the TB burden.

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