King County Health Experts Question 31% Drop In Tuberculosis

SEATTLE — King County saw a notable decline in reported tuberculosis infections in 2020, but local health experts are concerned the numbers may not reflect reality.

Public Health - Seattle & King County shared some insight on the recent trends during World Tuberculosis Day.

"In a typical year, 1.5 million people die of tuberculosis (TB) globally and 10 million fall ill with it," officials wrote Wednesday. "In Washington, 7% of people with active TB die. TB has been infecting and killing humans for thousands of years, and in fact, is still one of the top ten causes of death worldwide."

King County's public health experts are worried about the unknown impacts of tuberculosis during COVID-19, especially in light of a 43 percent spike in illness seen in 2019.

According to the public health data, King County diagnosed 132 cases in 2019, compared with 92 in 2020.

"Going into 2020, the TB Control Program expected to see similarly high levels of TB cases," officials wrote. "However, in 2020, TB case counts dropped by 31% from 2019."

Public health experts fear fewer people are seeking testing or medical treatment for tuberculosis, which can lead to more severe outcomes and increased transmission. A survey of local tuberculosis patients diagnosed during the coronavirus pandemic found some put off going to the doctor due to COVID-19 concerns or otherwise had their diagnoses delayed, which can have serious ramifications, officials said.

"It is crucial to test for and detect TB early in a person's infection, maintain case management of infectious TB patients, and provide other important services and interventions to stop the spread of TB," said Dr. Masa Narita, a tuberculosis control officer. "Without that, the gains made on a debilitating and deadly disease will be eroded."

The county is urging anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical evaluation:

• Coughing that lasts three or more weeks
• Coughing up blood
• Night sweats
• Chest pain
• Pain when breathing or coughing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue, fever and chills

Learn more about King County's tuberculosis control efforts on the public health website.