Tuberculosis Surveillance

Tuberculosis surveillance monitors and analyzes data on tuberculosis disease (mycobacterium tuberculosis), tuberculosis infection and mycobacterium and other tuberculosis and tuberculosis-like disease. Data collected include, but are not limited to, demographic, diagnostic and geographic information. Case management data are collected for mycobacterium tuberculosis. Accurate identification and timely reporting of both tuberculosis disease and infection are critical to successful disease control and treatment and the prevention of disease spread.

Successful tuberculosis surveillance enables public health agencies to:

• Identify contacts who may be infected or other individuals at risk for infection,
• Determine the incidence and prevalence of tuberculosis disease in a specific area of the state, and
• Assist physicians in evaluating illnesses in their patients and communities.

Tuberculosis surveillance enhances physicians and public health agencies ability to control disease spread, develop prevention/intervention strategies and policies and respond to events involving potential exposure to tuberculosis disease.