Tuberculosis increasing in the United States

Cases of active tuberculosis are increasing in the United States after years of decline. A provisional total of 23,720 cases was reported by the end of 1990. Case rates increased 4.4 percent between 1988 and 1989, and perhaps another 1 percent in 1990. Overall rate was 9.5 per 100,000 in 1989, with the Middle Atlantic and Pacific regions reporting the highest rates, 36 percent and 34 percent, respectively, above the U.S. total. The lowest rates were in the West North Central and Mountain regions. Rates continue to be higher among urbanites, minorities, the poor, the homeless, substance abusers and persons infected with HIV. Screening recommendations are outlined in an effort to reverse the growing rate of TB in this country.