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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reminds residents that tuberculosis is a deadly disease that must be identified and treated promptly.

In Los Angeles County there has been a steady rise in TB cases over the last three years. Last year’s 542 new cases were a 3.6% increase from 523 cases in 2022. California saw an even larger uptick with 2,113 new TB cases last year, a 15% increase from 1,842 cases in 2022.

Vulnerable individuals, including those who are experiencing homelessness or who are living with HIV, are at greater risk of TB infection.

Since 2017, a trend of increased TB disease in people living with HIV has been reported in Los Angeles County. People living with HIV, who are also infected with TB, have a 30% or greater risk of progressing to active TB, if both diseases are untreated. Early TB diagnosis and treatment can save lives and stop the spread of TB.

Testing and clinical care for tuberculosis is available at 11 Public Health centers across the County, or through community medical providers. Last year, Public Health provided more than 950 consultations for diagnosis, treatment, and hospital discharges for possible and confirmed TB cases. Public Health also provided more than 10,000 food gift cards, 70 gas cards and more than 4,000 nights of housing for those receiving TB services.

“In Los Angeles County we are paving the way for residents – including the most vulnerable – to access the clinical care needed to find and treat diseases such as tuberculosis,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “As we see a rise in cases, Public Health has been vigilant about detecting and responding to TB outbreaks and cases across many communities, including our residents with unstable housing, refugees, and newcomers from Ukraine, Mexico, and other countries.”

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