Why are Arkansas’s TB cases at a 15-year high?

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) reports that the number of adult and pediatric TB cases in the Natural State is increasing.

ADH reports that since November 2024, the state has seen more than 100 cases of TB, marking the first time in 15 years that Arkansas has seen more than 100 cases in a single year.

According to medical professionals, tuberculosis is classified as an airborne infection that typically affects the lungs, but it may also affect any area of the body, including the kidney, spine, and brain.

Furthermore, according to ADH authorities, being infected with the TB bacteria does not guarantee that you will get sick. However, ADH experts stress that if treatment is not received, the illness can be lethal.

Regarding signs to watch out for, ADH stated that the following signs are typical with TB infections:

• A cough for three weeks or more
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

According to ADH, TB cases are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia.
Since doctors had the advantage in preventing tuberculosis for many years, you might be wondering why there has been a dramatic increase in TB infections.

Dr. Naveen Patil of UAMS claims that the pandemic may provide hints as to why tuberculosis is currently on the rise.

Patil described how many people have not sought attention or treatment since the COVID pandemic. As a result, there is currently a concerning increase in TB cases, which is one of the consequences of that.

“It spreads basically from close contact, so if you or your loved one has it and they are not diagnosed, it can spread to people like your friends and family,” explained Dr. Patil.
He clarified that the instances they have been treating up to this point have come from particular demographics.

“The African American population, the Hispanic population, Pacific Islanders, the elderly population, the people who are immunocompromised, and children,” said Dr. Patil.
He stressed the need to test newborns and kids as soon as you think something might be amiss.

“Almost 40 cases are in children, which is scary because this disease can be very deadly,” he stated.

Accordingly, screening is advised for patients exhibiting symptoms as well as those who have risk factors for serious illness, according to health officials.
Here are some instances of risk factors:

• Those exposed to known cases
• Those living in congregate settings
• Those with diabetes, cancer, organ transplants, kidney disease, HIV or a weakened immune system

If you have been exposed to TB, please call (501) 661-2152 to reach the ADH TB Program.