"Rising Tuberculosis Cases in California Prompt Health Recommendations"

California has seen a substantial increase in reported cases of tuberculosis, with a 15% rise from 2022 to 2023, reaching numbers not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The bacterial disease can affect various parts of the body and is spread through the air. Health officials urge consideration of tuberculosis when diagnosing respiratory illnesses, especially in patients with risk factors such as travel to high-risk countries or homelessness. Reported cases of tuberculosis in the United States have increased for the second consecutive year, although they remain lower than pre-pandemic levels.