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County communicable-disease staff report uptick in latent TB cases and active follow-up efforts
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Summary
A communicable-disease staff member told the Kosciusko County Board of Health that latent tuberculosis cases identified through immigration exams and other referrals have increased, that the county actively seeks positive lab results for follow-up, and that some exposures are being escalated to the CDC for reporting.
A communicable-disease staff member told the Kosciusko County Board of Health that the county has seen an increase in latent tuberculosis (TB) cases and that the department maintains active surveillance to locate positive lab results and ensure patient follow-up.
The presenter said the highest sources of latent TB case referrals have been immigration medical exams and class B referrals, noting that when someone is found positive during an immigration physical they are often referred to county public-health staff for follow-up. The presenter added that the department proactively "go[es] out and search for those positive labs and make sure that those patients are seeing follow-up."
The presenter also said cases among patients taking biologic medications were a notable category; county staff had one instance of residents tested after a significant exposure and planned to forward data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further review.
Why it matters: Local health departments are a key link in latent TB identification and treatment to prevent progression to active disease and to limit community spread. The presentation indicated the county is conducting active case finding and coordinating with the CDC where appropriate.
The board did not take a formal action on TB surveillance during this meeting; the presentation served to inform the board about current trends and departmental follow-up procedures.
