World TB Day spotlight: Tuberculosis remains a global threat

Health District highlights TB Treatment and Control Clinic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:March 23, 2026

LAS VEGAS — The Southern Nevada Health District will observe World TB Day on Tuesday, March 24, with the theme, “Yes! We Can End TB!” Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers, causing an estimated 1.3 million deaths affecting 10.7 million people globally in 2025. TB occurs in every country and across all age groups, although most cases are concentrated in parts of Asia and Africa.

The United States has one of the lowest TB disease rates in the world, though cases have increased in recent years. Nationally, TB cases increased from 9,633 in 2023 to 10,388 in 2024, a 7.84% increase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Nevada, there were 67 active TB cases in 2024 and 64 in 2025. Of the 64 TB cases reported in 2025, 8 were TB-associated deaths. Data for 2025 are preliminary and subject to change, as case investigations are completed.

World TB Day is a global call for hope, urgency and accountability in the fight against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. “World TB Day shines an important light on the ongoing TB epidemic and reminds us that far too many people continue to suffer from this disease unnecessarily,” said Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Health District. “To eliminate TB, we must continue investing in strong state and local public health programs, strengthen education and awareness among health care providers, and work closely with communities that experience higher rates of the disease.”

As the leading provider of tuberculosis services in Southern Nevada, the Health District’s Tuberculosis Treatment and Control Clinic delivers comprehensive care to ensure that people with active TB or latent TB infection (LTBI) receive appropriate treatment, and that anyone exposed to TB is thoroughly evaluated. Working closely with community partners, the clinic coordinates care and support for TB patients throughout Clark County. Services include:

Case management for all clients with active TB, including education, treatment, and directly observed therapy.
Evaluation and follow-up for newly arrived Class B immigrants who require TB care.
Contact investigations to identify, test, and treat individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB.
Education and guidance on TB treatment and control practices.

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria spread through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, speaks or sings. TB most often affects the lungs, but it can also damage other parts of the body, including the brain, spine and kidneys.

Not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. Many people develop latent TB infection (LTBI), meaning the bacteria remain in the body but are inactive and do not cause symptoms. However, the bacteria can become active in some people, particularly those with weakened immune systems or health conditions such as diabetes. When this happens, it can lead to active TB disease, which can be serious or even deadly if it is not properly diagnosed and treated.

For more information about World TB Day, go to StopTB.org.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.