Tuberculosis Is Seasonal in the U.S.

Analysis of 16 years of CDC data suggests a spring peak and a fall trough in cases resulting from recent infection.

Reports from outside the U.S. have suggested that active tuberculosis (TB) may occur seasonally, with an increased incidence in late spring and early summer. This idea may be plausible for disease resulting from recent infection, as is typical in young children and in cluster outbreaks. Possible mechanisms for seasonality include increased transmission because of wintertime indoor crowding and increased susceptibility because of lower wintertime vitamin D levels.

To ascertain whether TB is seasonal in the U.S., researchers analyzed 243,432 laboratory-confirmed cases reported to the CDC from January 1993 through November 2008. The number of TB cases was highest in March, April, or May for 15 of the 16 years analyzed and was lowest in November…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Tuberculosis Is Seasonal in the U.S.

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Reviewing Author