Los Angeles is gearing up for World Tuberculosis Day this Sunday with local landmarks like the iconic LA City Hall and Union Station set to be bathed in red to raise awareness about the disease. However, officials say it's not just a ceremonial occasion — it's a call to action in a county where TB cases are climbing.
According to recent data released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and obtained by the County Newsroom, there's been a 3.6% bump in local TB cases last year, going up from 523 in 2022 to 542. What's worrying health officials is the statewide spike, with California recording a steep 15% increase in TB infections from 1,842 to 2,113 cases during the same period. Those numbers wave a red flag, especially for vulnerable populations such as the homeless and those living with HIV.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the Director of Public Health, said, "In Los Angeles County we are paving the way for residents — including the most vulnerable — to access the clinical care needed to find and treat diseases such as tuberculosis." This statement, provided to the County Newsroom, highlights a focused effort to respond to the TB crisis that has been accompanying the rise of the disease among vulnerable communities, including refugees and recent immigrants from Ukraine and Mexico.
For those infected, TB can lie dormant for years, presenting no symptoms while posing a threat lurking to flare up. Testing becomes crucial in this scenario. Health experts urge residents to learn about and recognize TB signs to "Think. Test. Treat." In response to the pressing need for accessible health services, Public Health has been proactive in providing over 950 consultations for TB diagnosis, treatment, and management last year, as per the County Newsroom's bulletin. These services are crucial stepping stones on the path to curbing the surge in TB cases.
Public Health centers are promoting available testing and treatment, with 11 centers throughout the county reaching out to those at risk. And to make TB testing more accessible, Public Health has revised guidance in line with the California Department of Public Health's TB risk assessment, attempting to streamline the process for LA County's inhabitants.
The County Newsroom highlights the landmarks partaking in World TB Day apart from the light show include the 6th Street bridge and LAX entrance columns. To learn more about TB testing or find out where to get tested and treated, LA County residents can visit Public Health’s TB Control program website or speak with their healthcare provider.
