Chicago health officials have confirmed the presence of tuberculosis (TB) cases in several migrant facilities in the city, following a recent outbreak of measles among migrants residing in local shelters.
According to reports from Fox 32 Chicago, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) revealed that a “small number” of TB cases have been identified across various shelters in the city. However, specific details regarding the exact number of cases and their originating shelter locations were not disclosed by officials.
CDPH stated that their medical teams are actively engaged in contact tracing efforts to address the health concern. Tuberculosis, an infectious bacterial disease primarily affecting the lungs, remains a significant focus of attention.
The confirmation of TB cases coincides with the ongoing outbreak of measles in Chicago, with over 55 confirmed cases, the majority of which are linked to the Pilsen migrant shelter on Halsted Street.
In response to inquiries, the health agency emphasized that 10% to 20% of Central and South American residents may carry latent TB infections, which are asymptomatic and non-transmissible. However, these latent infections can yield positive TB test results.
While tuberculosis is treatable with antibiotics and is not highly contagious, it typically necessitates prolonged close contact for transmission.
Raymond Lopez, a Chicago alderman, expressed concern over the outbreak, suggesting that stricter vaccination requirements for migrants could have potentially prevented it. However, health experts note that the TB vaccine (BCG) is not widely used in the U.S. and is not consistently effective in preventing TB transmission.
Dr. Aniruddha Hazra, associate professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, emphasized the need for vigilance but reassured the public that there is no cause for panic. Hazra highlighted that while TB outbreaks are concerning, measles remains preventable through vaccination.
The occurrence of TB cases follows a broader trend of increasing tuberculosis infections in the United States, with 2023 seeing the highest number of cases in a decade, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rise in cases underscores the ongoing importance of public health efforts to address infectious diseases effectively.
