Foreign-Born Are Hardest-Hit as Cases of TB Soar in County

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

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