Tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise in Arkansas for adult and pediatric populations. Arkansas Department of Health has recorded over 100 cases in the state as of Nov. 1, 2024, which is the first time in 15 years Arkansas has surpassed 100 TB cases in a year.
TB is an airborne infection caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. The disease can be fatal, though, if not treated properly.
Symptoms may include a cough for three weeks or more as well as chest pain, fever, night sweats, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. Many cases of TB are misdiagnosed as recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis. Screening is recommended for patients experiencing symptoms and for those with risk factors for severe disease. Risk factors include those exposed to known cases, those living in congregate settings and those with diabetes, cancer, organ transplants, kidney disease, HIV or weakened immune systems.
In Arkansas, TB disproportionally affects African Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics. Those most at risk of severe complications are babies and young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
If you have been exposed to TB, we ask that you contact the ADH TB Program at 501-661-2152. For more information on TB, visit Tuberculosis – Arkansas Department of Health.