Tuberculosis in San Antonio: 1960-1984

San Antonio, Tex, has a long history of having a high rate of tuberculosis, but from 1960 through 1984, the rate was reduced by 82.6%. In 1984 it had a lower case rate than all but one of the six major Texas cities. The rate reduction involved all ethnic groups. The City Chest Clinic treats most of the new active cases, either by providing all necessary services or by supplying medication in cooperation with local physicians. The use of chemotherapeutic drugs has greatly reduced the transmission of the disease. Preventive therapy may prevent infection or reduce the bacterial population in contacts of active cases. The city health department's nursing division provides follow-up of patients and contacts. To prevent premature discontinuation of medications, nurses observe selected patients as they take their medicines. High case rates among minority ethnic groups, although improved, still are observed. Furthermore, high rates of new active cases are still found in areas of the city with the lowest median family income, low median values of homes, and overcrowding.