California TB Cases Hit 12-Year High

California recorded 2,150 tuberculosis cases in 2025, the highest number seen since 2013. State public health officials noted this figure represents an increase from 2,109 cases in 2024. The incidence rate in California averaged 5.4 cases per 100,000 people, which is notably higher than the national rate of 3.1 cases per 100,000.

While the rise is concerning, officials suggest it may reflect a normalization after a period of lower case numbers rather than an unusual outbreak. Tuberculosis remains a significant public health concern, claiming over 200 lives annually in California, with 279 deaths reported in 2023. The state's efforts to combat TB incurred an estimated $303 million in medical and associated expenses during 2025.

Travel, particularly to endemic regions, is a contributing factor to the increased case numbers. Most TB infections in California originate from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), which can become active if untreated. Public health initiatives focus on identifying and treating LTBI to prevent full-blown TB, which disproportionately affects children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.