Tuberculosis isn't gone. We are working to change that.

Often classified as a historical disease, many don't realize that tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious global health concern. Up to 13 million people in the United States alone are estimated to have latent TB infection. In 2024, more than 10,000 TB cases were reported in the U.S. — the highest count in over a decade, and part of a four-year upward trend following the COVID-19 pandemic. Each year an average of two cases of active TB are diagnosed in south central Idaho, and an average of 91 clients per year are seen in the public health TB clinic.

Source: CDC Reported Tuberculosis in the United States, 2024

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The infection can start and spread to any part of the body. Not everyone infected will become sick — TB infections fall into two categories:

13 Million People in the U.S. estimated to have latent TB infection
5–10% Of untreated latent TB infections will develop into TB disease over a lifetime
80% Of U.S. TB cases result from untreated latent TB infection

Latent TB Infection

TB germs are present in the body but not active enough to cause sickness or spread to others. People with latent TB infection have no symptoms and cannot transmit TB to others, but without treatment the infection can progress to TB disease.

TB Disease

If TB germs become active and multiply, latent TB infection can turn into TB disease. TB disease causes symptoms and can be spread to others. Without treatment, TB disease can be fatal. Treatment is available and effective.

Who Should Be Tested for TB?

Testing for TB infection is recommended for people at higher risk of exposure or progression to disease. People who should be tested include:

Contacts of people with TB disease
People from countries where TB disease is common
People with health conditions that make it hard to fight TB
People who spend time in hospitals, shelters, or correctional facilities

Learn more about TB testing and who should be tested at cdc.gov/tb.

Tuberculosis Clinic

South Central Public Health District helps screen and treat tuberculosis at the Twin Falls office. The building is designed with a special room to ensure any active infections caught during screening won't spread to anyone else in the building. Testing positive doesn't necessarily mean you are contagious. Nurses at SCPHD offer diagnostic testing, treatment, and consultation services for clients with tuberculosis.

Monthly TB clinics offer education, preventative therapy, and treatment of active disease cases. Fees are based on income. South Central Public Health District also offers supervised medication administration for treatment of all cases of active TB.

Contact Us

For more information, contact your physician or your local South Central Public Health District office.