California has set a record for tuberculosis cases in 2025, with over 2,150 cases reported—the highest in 12 years. The state's infection rate is nearly double the national average.
- The CDC reports that 79% of large outbreak cases from 2017-2023 were in U.S.-born individuals. - A Bay Area high school outbreak resulted in 7 active and 241 latent TB cases.
- Risk factors include homelessness, substance use, immigration, and incarceration. - Experts warn that economic disparities could drive further increases.
Health officials urge enhanced surveillance and community outreach to control the spread.