03/25/2025
Situation
The Yakima Health District is reporting a significant increase in active tuberculosis (TB) cases in Yakima County. Over the past eight months, there has been a rise in confirmed cases, promoting heightened surveillance and precautionary measures.
Key Updates
- Affected areas: Yakima County, specifically in the lower valley and Yakama Tribal Lands.
- Increased cases among: American Indians/ Native Americans
- Most common signs and symptoms observed: Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and pleural effusion.
Actions Required for Providers
- Screening & Diagnosis
- Maintain a high index of suspicion for TB in patients with prolonged respiratory symptoms or risk factors.
- Perform TB skin tests (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in suspected cases.
- Order chest X-rays and sputum culture as indicated (notify YHD at 509-249-6541.
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2. Infection Control Measures
- Implement airborne precautions for suspected or confirmed TB cases.
- Use N95 respirators and ensure proper ventilation in clinical settings.
- Educate patients on cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene.
3. Reporting of Suspected Cases of Active TB
- Report all suspected and confirmed cases to Yakima Health District immediately as required by public health regulations.
- During business hours, call the communicable disease line at 509-249-6541. For after hours, please call 509-575-4040.
Resources
Screening and Testing
- TB Screening
- Adult TB Risk Assessment—Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
- Pediatric TB Risk Assessment—DOH.
- TB Symptom Screening—DOH.
- Tuberculosis Skin Test Record—DOH.
- Targeted Tuberculin Testing and Treatment of LTBI—CDC.
Treatment
- Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment guidance in Washington State, DOH.
- Treatment regimes for Latent TB infections, CDC
- Washington TB trends, DOH.
- Toolkit for healthcare providers, DOH.
Disease Information and Resources