Tuberculosis morbidity in the United States: final data, 1990

Abstract

The number of tuberculosis cases reported to CDC has been increasing since 1988, after a long historic decline. In 1990, 25,701 cases were reported, an increase of 9.4% over the 1989 figure and the largest annual increase since 1953. From 1985 to 1990, reported cases increased by 15.8%. Disproportionately greater increases in reported cases occurred among Hispanics, non-Hispanic blacks, and Asians/Pacific Islanders. In contrast, decreases were observed among non-Hispanic whites and American Indians/Alaskan Natives. By age, the largest increase in reported cases occurred in the 25- to 44-year age group; this increase may be largely attributable to rising numbers of tuberculosis cases among persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Notable increases also occurred among children. The proportion of cases among foreign-born persons has risen steadily, from 21.6% in 1986 to 24.4% in 1990.