World Tuberculosis Day in United States ― Date, History, and Details

World Tuberculosis Day in United States

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History of World Tuberculosis Day in United States and How to Celebrate/ Observe It

World Tuberculosis Day is observed annually on March 24 to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease. TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is a leading cause of death among people with HIV and remains a major health problem in many developing countries.

In the United States, TB rates have been declining since the early 1900s but the disease still occurs, particularly among certain groups such as people with HIV, the homeless, and immigrants from countries where TB is common. Each year, about 9,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with TB and about 400 die from the disease.

World Tuberculosis Day was established in 1982 by the World Health Organization and is now commemorated in more than 80 countries. Activities include educational campaigns, media events, and public rallies. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsors World TB Day activities and provides resources for TB education and prevention.