New Jersey Department of Health Recognizes March 24 as World TB Day

TRENTON, NJ - Today, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) commemorates World TB Day, observed on March 24 of each year, to raise public awareness and understanding about tuberculosis disease and its impact on people globally.

Tuberculosis (TB), which is curable, is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, sneezes, or talks. TB typically affects the lungs but can also affect the brain, kidneys, or spine. Symptoms include prolonged cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.

This year's theme is: "Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, Powered by people." Announced by the Stop TB Partnership, this theme shifts focus from global ambition to concrete, local action by strengthening country leadership and ensuring accountability to end the TB epidemic.

"Each year, we see several hundred cases of TB in New Jersey - a reminder that this disease is still present and demands our continued attention. At the same time, these numbers reflect the impact of sustained prevention and control efforts, along with the strong partnership between our state and local health departments," said Health Commissioner Raynard E. Washington. "We can eliminate TB within our lifetime - and today, we recommit to that public health goal."

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing TB, including babies and children, as well as people who have medical conditions such as HIV or diabetes and those who have close contact with someone who has infectious TB disease.

While the incidence of TB in the U.S. remains among the lowest in the world, the disease continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social, and economic consequences. An estimated 10.7 to 10.8 million people fell ill with tuberculosis globally, marking a record high, while deaths fell to approximately 1.23-1.25 million, indicating improved, yet still challenging, treatment coverage, according to the World Health Organization.

In New Jersey, only 342 new cases of TB were reported in 2024, representing a 65.2 percent decrease in new cases since 1992, when the State saw 984 cases at the peak of the resurgence of TB in the US that began in 1986. Preliminary data for 2025 indicate the number of reports increased slightly, with 360 cases and a corresponding incidence rate of 3.9 cases per 100,000 population.

The NJDOH conducts the statewide TB surveillance activity, financial assistance, direct assistance (such as supplies and laboratory services), and technical assistance (such as education and training) to support TB prevention and control activities performed by local health departments throughout the State.

In 2025, the NJDOH granted $3.9 million in state and federal funding to local health department TB programs. This included $2.9 million awarded to the six regional TB specialty clinics located in Bergen, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, and Morris counties, which provide services to all New Jersey residents. The regional TB clinic system performs clinical evaluation, treatment, prevention, and epidemiology in concert with the county and municipal health departments.

In addition, the Global Tuberculosis Institute at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), offers state-of-the-art treatment, conducts research, and provides expert medical consultations, as well as education and training to physicians and health officials.

March 24 marks the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch shared his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes TB.

Resources:

• NJDOH Tuberculosis Program: nj.gov/health/hivstdtb/tb
• Frequently Asked Questions on TB: nj.gov/health/hivstdtb/tb/faq.shtml
• World Health Organization's World TB Day 2026 Information: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day/2026
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Information on Tuberculosis: cdc.gov/tb
• CDC World TB Day Information: cdc.gov/world-tb-day

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The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 6,000 employees, the Department serves to protect the public's health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.

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