The resurgence of tuberculosis: risk in health care settings

After many years of steady decline in reported cases, TB is resurging in the U.S. as a clinical problem and a public health problem. TB continues to be an occupational hazard for health care workers and others in work environments where spaces are enclosed, ventilation is poor, and personnel are crowded. Transmission occurs by inhaling droplet nuclei generated by persons with active TB. Education, active surveillance, reporting, and an expanded role in community action are appropriate roles for the occupational health nurse.