San Francisco's tuberculosis (TB) program is set to become an annual highlight following a recent presentation that revealed concerning statistics about the city's TB incidence. The meeting underscored that San Francisco has a TB rate three to four times higher than the national average, with significant disparities among different racial and ethnic groups.

The presentation noted a marked decrease in active TB cases from over 100 annually between 2013 and 2019 to just 190 cases in 2022. Factors contributing to this decline include the impact of COVID-19, which limited medical visits, and the relatively low incidence of TB among new immigrants. The majority of cases—approximately 86%—are due to the reactivation of latent TB infections, which can remain dormant for years.

The discussion highlighted the need for targeted prevention strategies, particularly in neighborhoods with high TB rates, such as Chinatown and South of Market. The presenters emphasized the importance of working with healthcare providers to enhance screening and treatment for latent TB, especially among vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the meeting introduced the Newcomers Health Program, which provides health assessments for refugees and asylum seekers from countries with high TB rates, including Ukraine and Venezuela. This program aims to ensure that these populations receive timely TB screenings and necessary health services.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue outreach efforts to private healthcare providers, as many TB cases are treated outside of public health systems. The ongoing focus on prevention and education is crucial to reducing TB incidence in San Francisco and protecting the health of its diverse communities.