Tuberculosis cases in the United States have risen following the pandemic, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting over 10,600 confirmed cases in 2024.

Tuberculosis, historically known as "the white plague," is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. The disease was a leading cause of death in the early 20th century before the development of effective antibiotics.

Health officials have noted what they term a "rebound effect" in tuberculosis cases following the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic years, tuberculosis diagnoses and reporting may have been affected by reduced healthcare visits and testing disruptions.

The CDC continues to monitor tuberculosis trends as part of its ongoing surveillance efforts. Tuberculosis remains a public health concern in the United States, though cases had generally declined in previous decades before this recent uptick.

Tuberculosis is curable with proper antibiotic treatment, but requires consistent medication adherence over several months. Early detection and treatment are important for preventing transmission and serious health complications.