Kentucky: Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Those at highest risk for developing TB disease are those with TB infection who have weakened immune systems - people with HIV infection, people who inject drugs, and those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes. HIV is the strongest risk factor for TB disease.
Although cases declined nationally, they increased or stayed the same in 18 states.
Multi-drug-resistant TB (MDR TB) strains were reported in 1.4% of people with culture-positive TB in 1997. (That is, they were diagnosed with strains resistant to the two most important anti-TB drugs.)
Health departments must expand treatment and prevention programs to ensure that people complete prescribed regimens.
Global TB has a significant impact on the US. An increasing proportion of cases in the US occur among people born in areas where TB is common - areas such as Asia, Africa and Latin America. These cases among the foreign-born increased from 22% of cases in 1986 to 39% in 1997.
At least 100,000 people in the US are infected with both TB and HIV, a deadly combination that accelerates the progression of both diseases.
Each year 500 reports of TB disease among health care workers are reported each year.
Each year, 700-1,000 cases among residents of long-term care facilities are reported.
More than 1,200 TB cases among the homeless are reported each year.
Each year, 700-1,000 cases of TB are reported among residents of correctional facilities.
The greatest proportion of TB cases occur among people in the prime of their lives - ages 25-44.
TB disproportionally affects minorities. (See chart below) This likely reflects factors such as the HIV epidemic and the impact of travel and immigration from areas where TB is common.
In 1997 TB affected men disproportionately, continuing the historical trend. That year, 62% of cases occurred among men while 38% occurred among women.

For more information about HIV-AIDS, link to the KY HIV-AIDS Program

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Facts About Tuberculosis In Kentucky