NJ Resident Tests Positive for TB

A tuberculosis case has been confirmed in Camden County, New Jersey, with a resident testing positive on February 12. This individual is currently hospitalized, isolated, and receiving treatment for the disease. Health officials are actively investigating to identify any potential exposures and are testing household members and close contacts, though none have yet presented symptoms.

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically affects the lungs but can impact other body parts. Not everyone infected becomes sick; latent TB infection involves inactive germs, while TB disease means active, multiplying germs. TB disease is spread through prolonged close contact and requires six to nine months of medication to treat.

Symptoms of TB disease include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Delaware is considered a low-incidence state, with a 2024 incidence rate of 2.3 cases per 100,000 people, below the national rate. If exposure is suspected, seeking medical attention is crucial for testing and treatment, which can prevent disease progression.