| |
| |
Foreign-Born
Are Hardest-Hit as Cases of TB Soar in County |
 |
|
|
King
County health officials say they have documented a two-fold increase in
tuberculosis cases this year compared with the same period last year, a
spike found primarily among foreign-born residents. "We need more help,"
said Dr. Masa Narita, director of TB control for Public Health Seattle &
King County (PHSKC).
The county recorded 38 TB cases from January to March, compared with 18 for
the same period in 2006. Last year's 145 total of cases was up 16 percent
from 2005, with 80 percent of patients foreign-born. The proportion of
foreign-born TB patients has increased from 68 percent in 2003. The rise
parallels immigration increases since 2002 to King County from TB-endemic
regions: Eastern Africa (up 95 percent), Central America (up 47 percent) and
Southeast Asia (up 18 percent).
"It is concerning, and we have to continue the thorough job we're doing with
case management and timely. investigations," said Narita.
Funding for TB control in King County has increased from $3.4 million in
2005 to $4.1 million for this year. The program has established
nurse-outreach worker teams; improved screening contacts of new patients;
and worked with more public and private clinics to increase direct
observation of TB treatment. PHSKC, the King County Board of Health and the
County Executive's Office are looking for ways to increase funding in order
to stay on top of the disease.
Seattle Times (05.18.07):: Warren King |
|
|
|
|
| |
We are providing the above information as a public
service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay
media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases
does not constitute endorsement. The above summaries were prepared
without conducting any additional research or investigation into the
facts and statements made in the articles being summarized, and
therefore readers are expressly cautioned against relying on the
validity or invalidity of any statements made in these summaries. This
CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News
Update also includes information from CDC and
other government agencies, such as background on MMWR articles, fact
sheets and announcements. |
|
|
