New NYC TB cases at all-time low

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NEW YORK, March 24 (UPI) -- The number of new cases of tuberculosis in New York City fell from 711 to 689 in 2011 -- the lowest number of cases on record, city health officials say.

New York City's 82 percent fewer TB cases than at the peak of an epidemic in 1992 reflects national trends and the combined efforts of the city Health Department, healthcare providers and community leaders to expand TB control procedures, health officials said.

"The continued decline in the number of TB cases owes a great deal to New York City's devoted, knowledgeable healthcare providers who report TB cases and manage TB patients," Dr. Thomas Farley, city health commissioner, said in a statement.

"As the number of TB cases continues to decline, it is essential that healthcare providers continue to collaborate on reporting and monitoring the treatment of TB cases, thereby improving health outcomes for New Yorkers with TB, while ensuring that everyone receives the same standard of care regardless of insurance or immigration status."

New York City's TB rate continues to fall, it is still more than twice the national rate -- 8.5 versus 3.4 cases per 100,000 people.

In 2011, 80 percent of the total reported TB cases in New York City were among individuals born outside the United States, with the Top 5 countries China, Mexico, Bangladesh, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador.