Tuberculosis

Clear→ stable

RespiratoryVaccine available

Current NYS Status

1,089 cases in 2024 — near the 5-year baseline of ~2,845.

2024 statewide cases: 1,089

Source: NYSDOH Annual Communicable Disease Report 2024 + 5-yr baseline

What is it?

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spread through the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, or sings. NYS reported 1,089 cases in 2024 — among the highest rates in the US, with the vast majority of cases in New York City. Two-thirds of TB cases in NYS occur in foreign-born individuals from high-burden countries.

How it spreads

Spread through the air when a person with active TB in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or speaks. TB is NOT spread through casual contact, sharing dishes, surfaces, or being in the same room briefly. Prolonged close contact with an infectious person is usually needed for transmission.

Symptoms

Active pulmonary TB: persistent cough lasting 3+ weeks, coughing up blood or sputum, chest pain, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and fever. Latent TB infection (LTBI) causes no symptoms and is not contagious.

Who is at risk?

People who have spent time with someone with active TB; people born in or who have lived in high-TB-burden countries; people experiencing homelessness; people with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions; people who live or work in congregate settings (shelters, correctional facilities, long-term care).

What you can do

👁Get tested if you are at high risk or have been in contact with someone with active TB — a skin test or blood test can detect infection

⚕️If diagnosed with latent TB, complete preventive treatment to reduce lifetime risk of active disease by 90%

⚕️If active TB is diagnosed, take all medications as prescribed for the full course (usually 6–9 months) — stopping early leads to drug-resistant TB

Vaccine information

BCG vaccine is used in high-burden countries and provides partial protection in infants and young children. It is not routinely recommended in the US and does not reliably prevent adult pulmonary TB.

Tier B — Annual report tracking

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.

Seasonality: year round

This information is for general public health awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.