Spokane Counts 2011

Infectious Disease

Indicator: Tuberculosis (TB)

Definition: Rate of reported cases of tuberculosis per 100,000 individuals.

Why is this important: A century ago, tuberculosis was a leading cause of death in the United States. Since that time, public health and medicine have made great strides to control this disease. Tuberculosis is spread by an infected individual releasing TB bacteria into the air through coughing, sneezing, or even talking. Treatment for active TB is a 6-12 month course of medication that must be taken as prescribed to be effective.

Where are we: In 2009 in Spokane County, there were 9 new cases of tuberculosis. The TB rate from 2005 to 2009 was stable. The 2009 TB rate in Spokane County was similar to that of Washington State and the U.S.

Health Disparities:

Among Spokane County residents in 2009:

The likelihood of having TB increased as age increased.
Compared to Whites, all other race groups were more likely to have TB.

There was no difference in TB between males and females.

(click to enlarge)

	Data Source	DOH, CHS 2009
		Rate per 100,000
Geography	Spokane County	1.9 (1.0-3.7)
	WA	3.8 (3.4-4.3)
	U.S.	3.8

	Trend	05-09 No Trend
		04-08
Age	<18 yrs	0.7 (0.2-1.9)
	18-34 yrs	1.3 (0.5-2.8)
	35-44 yrs	2.3 (0.9-4.6)
	45-64 yrs	1.9 (1.0-3.5)
	65+ yrs	3.5 (1.7-6.5)

Sex	Male	2.3 (1.5-3.4)
	Female	1.2 (0.7-2.1)

Race	White	1.0 (0.6-1.5)
	Black	10.6 (3.4-24.6)
	NAAN	8.6 (1.8-25.3)
	API	16.7 (8.0-30.8)

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.

Spokane Regional Health District · Community Health Assessment · 1101 W College Ave, Room 360, Spokane, WA 99201
509.323.2853 | FAX 509.232.1706 | TDD 509.324.1464 · www.srhd.org/spokanecounts