City Official Shares Local TB Data Ahead of World Tuberculosis Day on Friday

In the late 19th century, Pasadena was promoted as a paradise for individuals recovering from tuberculosis. This was due to the belief that the climate and environment of the area could aid in the healing process. Dr. Henry Stehman, a physician from Chicago who himself had barely survived TB, moved to Pasadena in 1899. After recovering, he quickly turned his attention to treating other TB patients in the area. Stehman met S. Hazard Halstead, a prominent philanthropic leader in Pasadena, and together with the help of another physician, Norman Bridge, who had also recovered from TB, they began fundraising for the construction of a new sanatorium on Lincoln Ave. in Altadena. La Viña Sanatorium opened in 1909. [Altadena Historical Society]

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death by an infectious disease globally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During the early COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, U.S. incidence of reported tuberculosis substantially declined but according to a new report published by CDC on Thursday, just a day ahead of World Tuberculosis Day, TB cases have increased but remained below pre-pandemic levels.

“During the early COVID-19 pandemic, (2020), U.S. incidence of reported TB substantially declined. Incidence partially rebounded in 2021 but remained lower than incidence during pre-pandemic years,” Kimberly R. Schildknecht, SnD, BSN, MPH, Epidemic Intelligence Service officer, and colleagues wrote.

According to the report, during 2022, 8,300 TB cases were reported in the U.S. compared with 7,874 during 2021.

Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said TB was a leading cause of death for years in Pasadena in the late 1800 and early 1900s, but with the introduction of antibiotics and enhanced screening methods, the number of cases has decreased over the years.

To date, Derderian said Pasadena records an average of five cases annually.

“Risk of contracting TB in the United States remains very low. However, additional precautions should be taken when traveling internationally, particularly in countries with higher incidence of TB,” said Derderian.

Countries where TB disease is common include Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia.

Derderian said the risk of developing TB disease is higher for infants and young children, older adults, and people who have weakened immune systems.

Those who inject illegal drugs, were exposed to TB bacteria within the last two years, or were not treated properly for previous TB exposure, also have higher risk of getting infected with TB.

Derderian advised individuals who may have been exposed, or suspect they may have TB, to contact their healthcare provider for testing and treatment options.

While routine screening is not generally recommended due to the low number of cases, Derderian said those at higher risk of being infected should get tested, including people who have spent time with someone known to have TB disease, people from a country where TB disease is common, people who live or work in high-risk settings such as correctional facilities, long-term care facilities or nursing homes, and homeless shelters, healthcare workers who care for patients at increased risk for TB disease, infants, children and adolescents exposed to adults who are at increased risk for latent tuberculosis infection or TB disease.

Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) offers testing and clinical services for people under investigation as a TB case or contact to a TB case.

The screening is done by appointment only. The TB Chest Clinic is only open on Thursdays from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

As per Derderian, PPHD is creating a special feature to recognize World TB Day.

The message, which will be shared on the PPHD website at

https://www.cityofpasadena.net/public-health/tuberculosis/ and on social media, include an educational message from Dr. Parveen Kaur, Infectious Diseases Specialist and PPHD TB physician and a message from a tuberculosis survivor who shares his experience and encouragement for others suffering from TB.

World TB Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise awareness about TB and efforts to end the global epidemic.

The annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when the bacterium causing TB was discovered.