Although the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in New York City has declined significantly, the fatal disease continues to disproportionately affect immigrants living in Hispanic neighborhoods.
To mark World Tuberculosis Day, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHOMH) announced that 711 new TB cases were recorded in 2010, a 6 percent decrease compared with 2009, and an 81 percent drop compared to the high numbers witnessed at the beginning of the 90s.
Nevertheless, although the rate of TB in New York continues to go down, it is still more than twice the national average (8.5 compared to 3.8 cases for every 100,000 people in 2009).
Authorities from the DHOMH said that 82 percent of TB cases recorded in the city affected New Yorkers born outside of the United States. The five main countries of origin among New Yorkers diagnosed with TB were China (15 percent), Ecuador (6 percent), the Dominican Republic (6 percent), Mexico (5 percent), and Bangladesh (4 percent).
For this reason, it's not surprising that the areas with the highest rates of TB are those with large Latino populations: Sunset Park (24.1 cases for every 100,000 people), western Queens (20.1), Flushing (14.5), Borough Park (13.6), and Fresh Meadows (12.9).
"Eliminating TB in New Yorkers born abroad must be a community-wide effort, and healthcare providers should do their part as well," said Dr. Jorge Alonso in a press release. Dr. Alonso is head of the TB clinic and infectious diseases unit at Elmhurst Hospital. "Community leaders can help their communities learn about tuberculosis, and healthcare providers can make sure that people at risk are tested when necessary."
In an attempt to reach out to New York's foreign-born residents, the DHOMH is executing campaigns in different languages to bolster control of TB infection rates among this population. "We will never ask about immigration status. Comprehensive TB treatment not only benefits patients, but the community in general," said Dr. Thomas Farley, commissioner for the DOHMH.
Who should get tested?
• Persons with active TB symptoms (a strong cough that lasts for at least 3 weeks, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, fever, breaking out in sweat at nighttime).
• People who have spent a lot of time with others that are infected (a family member, friend, or co-worker).
• People that have recently returned from a country with high rates of TB.
• People that are HIV positive, have a weakened immune system, or certain medical conditions such as diabetes or chronic renal insufficiency.
• People that have lived or worked in a homeless shelter, prison, etc.
