CHENANGO COUNTY - Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection, typically of the lungs, caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

It can be passed from person to person and is spread through the air when an actively infected person sneezes, coughs, speaks, or sings.

In recent years, the number of active TB cases in New York State has progressively increased. There were 1,089 active tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in 2024. This is a 22% increase from 2023, and the highest number of cases reported since 2008. The good news is that TB is preventable and curable with existing antibiotics.

There are two phases of TB infection, Latent infection and Active disease. People with Latent TB Infection (LTBI) may have the TB bacteria in their bodies, but it is “asleep” or “dormant.” These people have no signs or symptoms of TB, and they cannot spread TB.

As time passes and the body’s defenses against infection decrease, the TB bacteria can reactivate and spread throughout the body causing active TB disease. In the active phase, TB can be spread to others. Individuals with weakened immune systems, like those who live in crowded conditions (homeless shelters, prisons/correctional facilities, congregate settings like nursing homes), or who are close contacts of people with active TB Disease are at higher risk of infection.

Signs and symptoms of active TB Disease include chronic cough (lasting for more than 3 weeks), coughing up blood, extreme fatigue/weakness, fever/chills, night sweats, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Treatment for active TB Disease is a combination of antibiotics prescribed for 6-12 months, depending on the severity of the disease.

Without treatment, TB disease can lead to more serious health issues, including permanent lung damage, disseminated disease (tubercular meningitis), and death. It is recommended that individuals who have latent disease accept and complete treatment before they ever develop active disease. If you have questions about TB, you may call the Nursing Division at Public Health 607-337-1660. For more information on Latent and Active Tuberculosis, visit:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html

The World Health Organization: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis

Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.

-Information from the Chenango County Health Department