Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria usually attack the lungs but may attack any part of the body. The bacteria are typically spread through the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat expels tiny airborne particles which people nearby can breathe in and become infected. Early detection and treatment of TB are essential to control the spread of the disease and to prevent outbreaks. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.¹ 

According to the CDC, country of birth continues to be a major risk factor for TB diagnosed in the United States because the risk of TB exposure varies by country.  

The NJDOH Tuberculosis Control Program supports TB ambulatory care activities (clinical evaluation, treatment, prevention, and epidemiology) at the county, municipal, and institutional level through the provision of health service grant funds, staff, medication, consultation, and education.

Final Assessment

Two of the four Tuberculosis targets were achieved by 2020.

• Targets were achieved for:
  • Tuberculosis incidence
  • Treatment completion among contacts with latent TB
• Targets were not achieved for:
  • 12-month treatment completion
  • TB cases with HIV status known

For more information, please refer to these resources:

• Global Tuberculosis Institute at Rutgers
• CDC Division of Tuberculosis Elimination
• Tuberculosis - World Health Organization
• Healthy People 2020

References:

1. Basic TB Facts. CDC. 3/20/16.