Washington Seeing Largest Tuberculosis Outbreak In Decades: DOH

OLYMPIA, WA — Tuberculosis cases are on the rise across the nation, and Washington is no exception. The Washington State Department of Health says the state is grappling with an unusually strong wave of tuberculosis cases, which started in 2021 when doctors diagnosed 199 cases of TB in Washingtonians across the state.

The cases marked a 22 percent increase from the year before, and 2022 is on track to be even worse, with 70 cases in the first four months.

“It’s been 20 years since we saw a cluster of TB cases like this,” says Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, MD, MPH, Washington State Chief Science Officer.

Complicating the issue is that some patients with tuberculosis may have been misdiagnosed as having COVID-19. TB has some similar symptoms as COVID, including coughing, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss and tiredness.

“The pandemic has likely contributed to the rise in cases and the outbreak in at least one correctional facility,” said Kwan-Gett. “Increased access to TB testing and treatment in the community is going to be key to getting TB under control.”

Of 2022's 70 confirmed tuberculosis cases, 17 have been linked to Washington state prisons. The Department of Corrections says it is aware of the issue, and working to mitigate the spread of tuberculosis behind bars.

“Washington State Department of Corrections identified a rise in cases in one of our facilities and immediately began working closely with the Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control on testing, as well as ways to decrease the spread in the facility and out in the community,” said DOC Chief Medical Officer MaryAnn Curl, MD. “Testing of staff, and our incarcerated population at Stafford Creek Correction Center continues, which is how these cases were found. We’ll continue to communicate with staff, their incarcerated population and their families as appropriate.”

Treatment for tuberculosis takes six months or more, and if it isn't followed diligently can lead to more severe symptoms. Anyone can catch TB, but the DOH says the following groups are most at risk:

• Those in close contact with someone who has TB disease.
• People who are from, or frequently travel to, areas of the world where TB is more common.
• People who live or work in a setting where there is more possible exposure to TB, such as homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes.

Anyone concerned they have tuberculosis is urged to get tested ASAP.

>> Learn more about tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment from the Washington State Department of Health.