California’s TB Cases Are on the Rise, but It’s Probably No Cause for Alarm

Cases have risen steadily since a 2020 dip, the state reports, but that dip might have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The steady rise in TB cases since 2020 might just be a sign of things returning to normal after the pandemic lockdown. Above, a freeway sign displaying a COVID-19 message above the 5 Freeway in Los Angeles on Jan. 20, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

California’s tuberculosis cases have been increasing steadily since 2020, according to data from the state’s Department of Public Health.

The department reported a 24 percent increase in TB cases since 2020, with a 15 percent jump from 2022 to 2023. That brought total cases to 2,113 in 2023.