LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Tuberculosis cases are on the rise among adult and pediatric populations in the Natural State, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH).
According to ADH, the department has recorded over 100 cases in the state since November of 2024 -- this is the first time in 15 years that Arkansas has eclipsed 100 tuberculosis cases in a year.
Tuberculosis is categorized as an airborne infection that usually attacks the lungs, but health experts said that the infection can also impact any part of the body including the kidney, spine, and brain.
Additionally, ADH officials said that just because you're infected with tuberculosis bacteria, that doesn't necessarily mean you'll become sick. Despite that, ADH officials emphasize that the disease can be fatal if left untreated.
As far as symptoms to look out for, ADH said these that symptoms are common for those infected with tuberculosis:
- a cough for three weeks or more as well as chest pain
- fever
- night sweats
- fatigue
- unexplained weight loss.
ADH said that often times, cases of tuberculosis are misdiagnosed as recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis.
This means that health officials recommend screening for patients experiencing symptoms and for those with risk factors for severe disease.
Examples of risk factors include the following:
- those exposed to known cases
- those living in congregate settings
- those with diabetes, cancer, organ transplants, kidney disease, HIV or weakened immune systems
If you have been exposed to TB, we ask that you contact the ADH TB Program at 501-661-2152.
