Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Tuberculosis Incidence
Summary Indicator Report Data View Options
Why Is This Important?
If not treated properly, tuberculosis (TB) disease can be fatal. TB bacteria usually attack the lungs but may attack any part of the body. The bacteria are typically spread through the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat expels tiny airborne particles which people nearby can breathe in and become infected. Early detection and treatment of TB are essential to control the spread of the disease and to prevent outbreaks.1
Definition
Tuberculosis incidence rate per 100,000 population
Data Sources
- American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau
(https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/) - National Tuberculosis Surveillance System; National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(https://www.cdc.gov/tb/statistics/tbcases.htm)
How the Measure is Calculated
| Numerator: | Number of new tuberculosis cases |
| Denominator: | Estimated number of persons in the population |
How Are We Doing?
The incidence of TB has been generally declining in New Jersey since 1992, the peak year of TB resurgence in the US,2 and the Healthy New Jersey 2020 target has been met.
The TB incidence rate is highest among Asians, followed by Hispanics, Blacks, and Whites. The majority of cases are among foreign-born persons.
How Do We Compare With the U.S.?
The TB incidence rate in New Jersey was 27% above the U.S. rate in 2020 and New Jersey is one of only six states reporting an incidence rate above the national rate.3
What Is Being Done?
The Tuberculosis Control Program supports TB ambulatory care activities (clinical evaluation, treatment, prevention and epidemiology) at the county, municipal, and institutional level through the provision of health service grant funds, staff, medication, consultation, and education.
The program also collaborates closely with the New Jersey Medical School's Global TB Institute at Rutgers University to provide training.
More Resources
CDC Tuberculosis Info: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/
Health Program Information
Footnote References
1. CDC, About Tuberculosis, 12/19/23
2. NJDOH Tuberculosis Elimination and Laboratory Cooperative Agreement CDC-RFA-PS15-150104CONT18. Aug 31, 2017.
3. CDC, 2020 State and City TB Report