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Tuberculosis in Washington
State
Washington experienced a slight decrease in the
number of TB cases with 291 cases reported in 2007 vs. 228
cases reported in 2008. The crude incidence rate of TB was
an all time low (4.4/100,000 in 2007 vs. 3.5/100,000 in
2008). Sixteen of the 39 counties in Washington reported no
new cases of TB in 2008 and 17 reported five or fewer
cases. Ten counties reported greater than five TB cases.
King (121), Snohomish (25) and Pierce (18) accounted for
seventy-two percent of 2008 cases in Washington State.
Seventy-six percent of the 2008 tuberculosis cases in
Washington were among foreign-born immigrants or refugees
from counties with high rates of tuberculosis; Vietnam,
Mexico, the Philippines, or Ethiopia. The proportion of
foreign-born cases continues to rise in Washington (75% in
2007 vs. 76% in 2008). Most TB cases among foreign-born
people are likely the result of reactivation of infection
acquired abroad, although some transmission is occurring in
the U.S. The risk of disease among the foreign-born also
appears related to chronological age and age at immigration;
younger people and those who immigrated at younger ages are
at lower risk for subsequent infection with TB.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To identify and ensure the adequate evaluation and
treatment of persons with TB disease
- To identify the contacts of TB cases and ensure their
evaluation
- To ensure that all eligible infected contacts are
offered and complete preventive therapy
Legal Reporting Requirements
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Health care
providers: Immediately notifiable to local health
jurisdiction (WAC 246-101-101)
-
Hospital:
Immediately notifiable to local health jurisdiction (WAC
246-101-301)
-
Laboratories:
Initial culture notifiable to local health jurisdiction
within two days; (WAC
246-101-201)
-
Local health
jurisdictions: Notifiable to the Washington State
Department of Health (DOH) within 7 days of case
investigation or summary required within 21 days (WAC
246-101).
Last
guideline update
March 2009 |
