San Diego County has seen a 17 percent rise in active tuberculosis (TB) cases over the past year, public health officials reported March 5.

“We are seeing more cases of TB, not just in San Diego County, but around the state. We all need to be aware of the symptoms and take action quickly so that we can stop the spread of TB and protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” said Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county’s public health officer.

In 2023, there were 243 reported TB cases, exceeding the average of 205 in 2021 and 2022. Over the past decade, reported cases ranged from a high of 264 in 2019 to a low of 193 in 2020, according to county officials.

Cases declined during the pandemic, officials said, likely due to COVID-19-related precautions such as masking and social distancing, which may have contributed to the reduction in TB transmission.

Additionally, officials said individuals may have missed diagnoses or experienced delays in seeking medical attention due to strains on the healthcare system during the pandemic or changes in their own healthcare-seeking behaviors.

TB is an airborne disease transmitted from person to person when individuals who are infected cough, speak, sing, or breathe. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.

Health officials said there are medicines available to cure individuals diagnosed with TB and preventive treatment for those testing positive for TB but remaining asymptomatic—a condition known as latent TB infection—which can be identified through a chest x-ray.

Over 175,000 individuals in San Diego County are estimated to have latent TB infection, with the majority unaware of their condition, officials said. Without preventive treatment, up to 10 percent of these individuals may develop active, contagious TB disease.

“If you or a loved one have TB symptoms or think you may have been around someone with TB, it’s important that you call your doctor or health care provider and get tested,” Dr. Wooten, the county health officer, said.

The county will host a TB Prevention Education and Community Engagement Summit on March 22 at the Southeastern Livewell Center in San Diego to advance TB prevention efforts, including screening, testing, and treatment.

The county also runs a TB Clinic at the North Central Public Health Center located at 5055 Ruffin Road in San Diego. Additionally, Public Health Services provides testing at various regional public health centers across the county.