LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The latest Arkansas Department of Health figures show tuberculosis cases in the state are setting records.
A department report issued Friday shows the state has seen more than 100 cases as of Nov. 1. DOH officials said this is the first time in 15 years that Arkansas has had more than 100 cases in a single year.
Public health officials sound alarm over tuberculosis in northeast Arkansas
According to the department , tuberculosis bacteria usually attack the lungs but can attack any body part, such as the kidney, spine and brain. Officials said not everyone infected with tuberculosis bacteria becomes sick, so as a result two tuberculosis-related conditions exist: latent tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease.
Officials clarified that tuberculosis disease can be fatal if not treated properly.
Officials continued that in Arkansas, tuberculosis disproportionally affects African Americans, Pacific Islanders and Hispanics. They said those most at risk of severe complications are babies and young children, the elderly and the immunocompromised.