Tuberculosis in the U.S. in 2025
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent public health concern in the United States, with 2024 marking a third consecutive year of rising case numbers. After decades of consistent decline, TB cases have rebounded following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health experts attribute this resurgence to a combination of factors, including delayed diagnoses during the pandemic, increased domestic and international travel, population mobility, and reduced access to routine healthcare services. In 2024, the U.S. reported 10,347 TB cases, an 8% increase over 2023, signaling an urgent need to reevaluate TB surveillance, prevention, and treatment strategies nationwide.
Despite the overall low incidence rate compared to many other countries, TB in the U.S. disproportionately affects certain populations, especially non-U.S.-born individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, older adults, and people living in high-risk settings. Non-U.S.-born persons account for more than three-quarters of all TB cases, with infection rates nearly 20 times higher than those born in the U.S. The resurgence of TB in 34 states and the District of Columbia, and dramatic spikes in places like Kansas, Utah, and Maine, underscore the growing threat of localized outbreaks. These troubling patterns reinforce the urgent need for targeted, culturally competent public health responses, as well as renewed investments in screening, treatment adherence programs, and latent TB infection prevention to halt further spread and protect vulnerable communities.
Tuberculosis Facts in the U.S. 2025
| Tuberculosis Fact | 2024 Data | 2023 Data |
|---|---|---|
| Total TB Cases | 10,347 | 9,622 |
| TB Rate per 100,000 Population | 3.0 | 2.9 |
| Percentage Increase from Previous Year | 8% | 15% |
| Non-U.S.-Born Cases | 7,915 (76%) | 7,316 (76%) |
| U.S.-Born Cases | 2,356 (23%) | 2,289 (24%) |
| States with Highest Case Increases | Kansas (150%), Utah (50%), Maine (50%) | Various states |
| Highest Risk Age Group | 65+ years (4.2 per 100,000) | 65+ years (4.3 per 100,000) |
| Lowest Risk Age Group | 5-14 years (0.6 per 100,000) | 5-14 years (0.6 per 100,000) |
| Racial/Ethnic Minorities Cases | Approximately 90% | 90.1% |
| TB-Related Deaths (2022) | 565 | 565 |
The data reveals that tuberculosis remains a persistent public health challenge, with case counts increasing by 8% from 2023 to 2024. This represents a continued upward trend, though the rate of increase has slowed compared to the dramatic 15% jump observed between 2022 and 2023. The disease continues to disproportionately impact non-U.S.-born individuals, who face infection rates nearly 20 times higher than their U.S.-born counterparts. Additionally, racial and ethnic minorities represent approximately 90% of all tuberculosis cases, highlighting significant health disparities that demand targeted intervention strategies.
Healthcare providers and public health officials are particularly concerned about the geographic spread of tuberculosis, with 34 states and the District of Columbia reporting increases in case counts during 2024. States like Kansas experienced a staggering 150% increase, while Utah and Maine each saw 50% jumps in their tuberculosis caseloads. These dramatic increases underscore the importance of maintaining robust surveillance systems and ensuring adequate resources for tuberculosis prevention and treatment programs across all jurisdictions.
Tuberculosis Case Trends in the U.S. 2024
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | Trend Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cases | 10,347 | 9,622 | 8,320 | Steady increase |
| Rate per 100,000 | 3.0 | 2.9 | 2.5 | Consistent growth |
| Percentage Change | +8% | +15% | Recovery from 2020 | Slowing but positive |
| Non-U.S.-Born Rate | 15.5 | 15.1 | Variable | Slight increase |
| U.S.-Born Rate | 0.8 | 0.8 | Variable | Stable |
The tuberculosis epidemic in the United States demonstrates a clear pattern of recovery and growth following the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2024 case count of 10,347 represents the highest number since the pre-pandemic era, indicating that tuberculosis transmission has not only recovered but exceeded previous levels. This trend is particularly concerning given the decades of progress made in reducing tuberculosis incidence prior to 2020.
The rate of increase has decelerated from the dramatic 15% jump between 2022 and 2023 to a more moderate 8% increase in 2024, suggesting that while tuberculosis continues to spread, the acceleration may be stabilizing. However, public health experts emphasize that any increase in tuberculosis cases represents a step backward in the nation’s efforts toward tuberculosis elimination. The persistent disparity between U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born populations, with infection rates of 0.8 versus 15.5 per 100,000 respectively, highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing social determinants of health and healthcare access barriers.
Tuberculosis Demographics in the U.S. 2024
| Demographic Category | 2024 Cases | 2024 Rate per 100,000 | 2023 Cases | 2023 Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 0-4 years | 263 (3%) | 1.4 | 226 (2%) | 1.2 |
| Age 5-14 years | 256 (2%) | 0.6 | 235 (2%) | 0.6 |
| Age 15-24 years | 1,133 (11%) | 2.6 | 1,021 (11%) | 2.3 |
| Age 25-44 years | 3,476 (34%) | 3.9 | 3,005 (31%) | 3.4 |
| Age 45-64 years | 2,659 (26%) | 3.3 | 2,608 (27%) | 3.2 |
| Age 65+ years | 2,497 (24%) | 4.2 | 2,524 (26%) | 4.3 |
The demographic distribution of tuberculosis cases reveals significant variations across age groups, with the 25-44 age group representing the largest proportion of cases at 34% of all infections in 2024. This represents a notable increase from 31% in 2023, indicating that tuberculosis is increasingly affecting individuals in their prime working years. The 65+ age group maintains the highest infection rate at 4.2 cases per 100,000 population, though this represents a slight decrease from the previous year’s rate of 4.3.
Young children remain particularly vulnerable to tuberculosis, with 263 cases reported in the 0-4 age group, representing a 16% increase from 2023. This trend is especially concerning given the potential for severe outcomes in pediatric tuberculosis cases. Conversely, the 5-14 age group maintains the lowest infection rate at 0.6 per 100,000, consistent with historical patterns showing reduced tuberculosis susceptibility during middle childhood years. The 15-24 age group showed an 11% increase in cases, reflecting ongoing transmission among adolescents and young adults who may have increased social mobility and exposure risks.
Tuberculosis by Birth Origin in the U.S. 2024
| Birth Origin | 2024 Cases | 2024 Rate per 100,000 | 2023 Cases | 2023 Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.-Born | 2,356 (23%) | 0.8 | 2,289 (24%) | 0.8 |
| Non-U.S.-Born | 7,915 (76%) | 15.5 | 7,316 (76%) | 15.1 |
| Unknown/Missing | 76 | N/A | 17 | N/A |
The stark disparity between U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born tuberculosis cases remains one of the most significant epidemiological features of the disease in America. Non-U.S.-born individuals experience tuberculosis rates nearly 20 times higher than their U.S.-born counterparts, with 15.5 cases per 100,000 population compared to just 0.8 cases per 100,000 among U.S.-born individuals. This enormous gap reflects complex factors including previous exposure to tuberculosis in countries with higher endemic rates, social determinants of health, and potential barriers to healthcare access.
The proportion of cases among non-U.S.-born individuals has remained remarkably stable at 76% of all cases in both 2023 and 2024, despite the overall increase in tuberculosis incidence. This consistency suggests that while tuberculosis is spreading within existing high-risk populations, it has not significantly expanded into new demographic groups. However, the 8% increase in non-U.S.-born cases from 7,316 to 7,915 represents a substantial public health challenge, particularly given that many of these individuals may face language barriers, cultural differences, and economic constraints that complicate tuberculosis treatment and prevention efforts.
Tuberculosis by Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. 2024
| Race/Ethnicity | U.S.-Born Cases | U.S.-Born Rate per 100,000 | Non-U.S.-Born Cases | Non-U.S.-Born Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hispanic or Latino | 674 (29%) | 1.6 | 3,149 (40%) | 12.9 |
| Asian | 134 (6%) | 1.6 | 2,815 (36%) | 21.9 |
| Black or African American | 773 (33%) | 2.1 | 1,258 (16%) | 24.1 |
| White | 502 (21%) | 0.3 | 284 (4%) | 3.5 |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 111 (5%) | 4.7 | 2 (0%) | 2.1 |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 90 (4%) | 10.6 | 163 (2%) | 53.7 |
| Multiple Race | 46 (2%) | 0.6 | 101 (1%) | 49.9 |
The racial and ethnic disparities in tuberculosis incidence reveal profound health inequities that persist across both U.S.-born and non-U.S.-born populations. Among U.S.-born individuals, Black or African American persons bear the highest burden with 773 cases representing 33% of all U.S.-born tuberculosis cases and a rate of 2.1 per 100,000. Hispanic or Latino individuals represent 29% of U.S.-born cases, while Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander persons experience the highest rate at 10.6 per 100,000, despite representing only 4% of cases.
Among non-U.S.-born populations, the disparities are even more striking, with Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander persons experiencing an alarming rate of 53.7 cases per 100,000, followed by Black or African American persons at 24.1 per 100,000. Asian individuals represent the largest proportion of non-U.S.-born cases at 36%, with a rate of 21.9 per 100,000. These dramatic disparities reflect complex interactions between social determinants of health, healthcare access, previous tuberculosis exposure, and potentially genetic factors that influence tuberculosis susceptibility and progression. The data underscores the critical need for culturally competent, targeted interventions addressing the unique challenges faced by each affected community.
Geographic Distribution of Tuberculosis in the U.S. 2024
| State/Region | 2024 Cases | 2024 Rate per 100,000 | % Change from 2023 | Notable Trends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,100 | 5.3 | 0% | Stable highest volume |
| Texas | 1,238 | 4.0 | 0% | Stable second highest |
| New York | 1,083 | 5.5 | +22% | Significant increase |
| Florida | 681 | 2.9 | +9% | Steady growth |
| Alaska | 94 | 12.7 | +22% | Highest rate per capita |
| Kansas | 115 | 3.9 | +150% | Dramatic outbreak |
| Utah | 51 | 1.5 | +50% | Major increase |
| Maine | 39 | 2.8 | +50% | Significant jump |
The geographic distribution of tuberculosis cases reveals both persistent hotspots and concerning emerging trends across the United States. California maintains its position as the state with the highest absolute number of tuberculosis cases at 2,100, though its rate remained stable at 5.3 per 100,000. Texas follows with 1,238 cases, also maintaining stability with no significant change from 2023. However, New York experienced a troubling 22% increase with 1,083 cases and a rate of 5.5 per 100,000, representing one of the most significant regional increases in the nation.
The most alarming trends appear in states that experienced dramatic percentage increases, with Kansas leading at an extraordinary 150% jump from 46 to 115 cases. Utah and Maine each recorded 50% increases, indicating potential outbreaks or transmission events that require immediate public health attention. Alaska continues to have the highest tuberculosis rate per capita at 12.7 cases per 100,000, though this represents a proportionally smaller increase of 22%. These geographic patterns suggest that tuberculosis transmission may be influenced by local factors including immigration patterns, healthcare infrastructure, social determinants of health, and outbreak response capabilities.
Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes in the U.S. 2024
| Treatment Metric | 2024 Data | 2023 Data | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Success Rate | Approximately 85% | Approximately 85% | Within WHO targets |
| Drug-Resistant Cases | Under surveillance | Ongoing monitoring | Requires specialized care |
| Treatment Completion | Majority complete | Majority complete | Critical for elimination |
| Mortality Rate | 0.2 per 100,000 | 0.2 per 100,000 | Stable low mortality |
Tuberculosis treatment outcomes in the United States continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of modern medical interventions when properly implemented. The treatment success rate remains at approximately 85%, meeting World Health Organization benchmarks for tuberculosis program performance. This high success rate reflects the coordinated efforts of healthcare providers, public health departments, and community organizations working together to ensure patients complete their prescribed treatment regimens.
Drug-resistant tuberculosis cases remain under careful surveillance, with specialized treatment protocols required for multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains. The mortality rate has remained stable at 0.2 deaths per 100,000 population, indicating that while tuberculosis incidence is increasing, case fatality rates remain relatively low due to effective treatment interventions. However, public health experts emphasize that treatment completion is critical for both individual patient outcomes and community tuberculosis elimination efforts, as incomplete treatment can lead to drug resistance and continued transmission within communities.
Tuberculosis Prevention and Control in the U.S. 2025
| Prevention Strategy | Implementation Status | Impact on Cases | Future Priorities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latent TB Testing | Expanding programs | Prevents progression | Increase screening |
| Contact Tracing | Active surveillance | Limits transmission | Enhance capacity |
| Targeted Testing | High-risk populations | Early detection | Improve access |
| Treatment Adherence | Directly observed therapy | Reduces failure | Patient-centered care |
| Immigration Screening | Ongoing protocols | Identifies cases | Streamline processes |
The prevention and control of tuberculosis in the United States requires a multifaceted approach addressing both active disease treatment and latent infection management. Latent tuberculosis infection testing programs are expanding across healthcare systems, with particular focus on individuals at highest risk for progression to active disease. These programs are crucial because millions of Americans are estimated to have latent tuberculosis infection, representing a substantial reservoir for future active cases if left untreated.
Contact tracing remains a cornerstone of tuberculosis control, with public health departments working rapidly to identify and evaluate individuals who may have been exposed to active tuberculosis cases. The effectiveness of these programs depends heavily on adequate staffing and resources, areas where many jurisdictions face ongoing challenges. Targeted testing initiatives focus on high-risk populations including individuals with HIV infection, diabetes, immunosuppressive conditions, and those living in congregate settings. The success of these prevention efforts will be critical in reversing the current upward trend in tuberculosis incidence and moving toward the ultimate goal of tuberculosis elimination in the United States.
Tuberculosis Challenges and Opportunities in the U.S. 2025
The 2024 tuberculosis data presents a complex picture of ongoing challenges and persistent health disparities that demand immediate and sustained public health action. With 10,347 cases representing an 8% increase from the previous year, the United States faces a critical juncture in its tuberculosis elimination efforts. The disproportionate impact on non-U.S.-born individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and certain geographic regions highlights the need for targeted, culturally competent interventions that address underlying social determinants of health.
Moving forward, successful tuberculosis control will require enhanced surveillance systems, expanded latent infection testing programs, improved treatment adherence support, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure in affected communities. The stable treatment success rates and low mortality figures demonstrate that effective tools exist to combat tuberculosis, but their application must be scaled and sustained to reverse current trends. Public health officials emphasize that tuberculosis elimination remains achievable but will require coordinated efforts across all levels of government, healthcare systems, and community organizations to address the complex factors driving continued transmission in vulnerable populations.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
