tuberculosis control branch

Costs & Consequences of TB in California

Tuberculosis (TB) is a life-threatening disease transmitted through the air with extensive medical and economic consequences. Every year, about 2,000 Californians are diagnosed with TB.

Half of these cases require hospitalization. 1 in 6 individuals diagnosed with TB die within five years, even with modern treatments. Survivors may experience lifelong disability.

Early detection and prevention are crucial in combating TB’s impact on individuals and society.

TB is Costly but Preventable

Vulnerable Populations Are at Higher Risk of Contracting TB

Racial and ethnic minority groups bear a disproportionate burden of TB.
Asian individuals born outside the US are diagnosed with TB at a rate 50 times higher than US-born white individuals. This disparity exceeds those seen in HIV, heart disease, and diabetes.
Low socio-economic status is linked to higher TB incidence rates.
In California, neighborhoods with lower education levels have TB rates over three times higher than those in neighborhoods with higher education.
TB affects people in congregate settings, including those experiencing homelessness, incarcerated individuals, and residents of long-term care facilities.
Homeless individuals with TB are 30% more likely to die from the disease compared to non-homeless individuals.

TB is Disruptive and Costly

TB can have significant financial consequences for patients, families, health care providers, public health systems, and the California economy.

Persons with TB can lose income or employment because they’re too sick to work or can’t go to work because they may sicken others.
Many patients deplete their savings or accumulate debt. Medical expenses related to TB can worsen the financial effects.
TB hospitalizations are twice as costly and four times longer than hospitalizations for other conditions, typically lasting around 11 days.
In 2023, the total medical and societal cost of TB in California reached $265 million.

TB is Preventable and Treatable

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in high-risk populations.
USPSTF has established LTBI testing and treatment as standard of care.
TB can be detected with a one-time test.
Treatment can effectively remove TB from the body.
Targeted testing and treatment have been proven to be cost effective.

Challenges in TB Awareness and Treatment

Despite the prevalence of TB, more than 2 million Californians are infected.
Only 23% of those infected are aware of their condition, and just 13% have received treatment.
TB often remains dormant for years before developing into active disease.

Preventing TB Saves Lives and Resources

If current trends continue, there could be an estimated 4,200 preventable TB deaths by 2040.
TB prevention is significantly less costly than TB treatment.
The cost to prevent TB for one person is $857, whereas diagnosing and treating one person with active TB disease costs $43,900.
Additionally, preventing TB transmission protects the patient’s family and friends.