Concerns circulate surrounding increase in tuberculosis cases in New York City

New York City is seeing an increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with around 500 cases of active TB reported in 2023. Several factors are driving this resurgence, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine hesitancy. Some articles suggest that in the past year, the arrival of over 100,000 migrants, who are at a higher risk of TB infection and who are potentially unvaccinated, has contributed to this rise. This has sparked discussions online, with some pointing out perceived discrepancies in vaccination requirements for migrants compared to U.S. residents. Concerns are mounting about ongoing vaccine hesitancy, which could result in further strain on healthcare facilities this fall and winter.

Risk level: LowRecommendation: This alert is provided for informational purposes only, especially for doctors practicing in the Northeast.