Virginia TB Cases Decline 14 Percent, Diabetes Link Noted, Drug Resistance Increases

Every year on March 24, World TB Day is observed around the world. World TB Day raises awareness about the significant health and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and is a time to advocate for TB prevention and elimination activities. Elimination of TB in the United States depends on the success of global TB programs.

About TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). It is an illness that mainly affects the lungs, although it can attack any part of the body. TB is the leading cause of death worldwide from an infectious disease.

The good news is that TB is both preventable and curable. Appropriate screening, testing and proper medical treatment can save lives. Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics for six to nine months for active disease and for as little as three months for latent TB infection (LTBI).

How TB Spreads

Tuberculosis spreads through the air when someone with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, laughs, sings, or even talks. Someone with active TB disease may spread it to people nearby, such as friends, family, coworkers, and schoolmates.

You cannot get TB by sharing food or shaking hands, but spending a lot of time close to someone who is sick can increase the risk.

Symptoms of TB

Common symptoms include:

• Cough that lasts more than 3 weeks

• Fever

• Weight loss

• Night sweats

• Fatigue

• Decreased appetite

• Chest pain

Latent TB Infection

People who have Latent TB Infection (LTBI) are infected with the M. tuberculosis bacteria but have not developed active TB disease.

People with LTBI do not feel sick, so they often do not know they carry the bacteria. They do not have any symptoms and are not contagious.

However, about 10 percent of people with LTBI will develop active TB over their lifetime. Treatment for LTBI can prevent progression to active TB disease.

People with certain health conditions that weaken the immune system such as diabetes or HIV, have a higher risk of developing active TB if they have LTBI.

TB in Virginia

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

In 2025, Virginia had 194 cases of TB. This was a 14% decrease from the 225 cases reported in 2024. There was a decrease from 2025 in the number of children under the age of five diagnosed with active TB, but an increase in people with TB who were resistant to two of the primary drugs used to treat TB. Diabetes continues to be a primary comorbidity for people with TB. In 2025, 27% of people with TB disease also had diabetes. In 2025, 27 health districts provided care for someone with active TB disease.

You can learn about additional Virginia data, including:

• Local counts and rates for TB for 2025.

• The 2025 fact sheet about TB in Virginia.

• Annual reports, fact sheets, and local data prior to 2025.
  World TB Day reminds us that ending TB is achievable and that we all have a role to play.  We can learn the symptoms, encourage others to seek medical care, help reduce the stigma around the disease, and advocate for awareness and resources. By increasing awareness, we can move closer to ending TB and building healthier communities for all.

Learn More

• VDH Tuberculosis