Atlanta, July 23, 2025 — CDC Issues Health Advisory Over Surge in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Cases
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a nationwide health advisory in response to a troubling rise in cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in several major U.S. cities. The advisory, released Tuesday, highlights increased reports of difficult-to-treat TB strains in urban centers including Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.
Health officials attribute the surge in part to disrupted health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to delayed diagnoses and incomplete treatment courses—two key factors that contribute to antibiotic resistance in TB cases.
“Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis poses a serious threat to public health, particularly in vulnerable and underserved populations,” said Dr. Lena Alvarez, director of infectious disease surveillance at the CDC. “This resurgence is a wake-up call. We must reinforce screening, prevention, and treatment protocols now.”
Tuberculosis, once thought to be under control in the U.S., remains a persistent challenge in densely populated areas and among individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, drug-resistant TB is more costly and complex to treat, often requiring longer hospital stays and intensive medication regimens.
The agency is urging state and local health departments to step up screening efforts in high-risk communities, including shelters, correctional facilities, and among recent immigrants from countries with high TB prevalence. Hospitals and clinics are also being advised to isolate confirmed cases promptly and ramp up contact tracing to prevent further spread.
Dr. Anthony Vega, a pulmonologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, noted a marked increase in difficult TB cases over the past year. “We’re seeing more patients who don’t respond to first-line treatments. Many of these cases could have been prevented with earlier intervention,” he said.
In addition to clinical measures, public health experts are calling for renewed investment in TB education campaigns and broader access to affordable medication. The CDC is also reviewing its national TB elimination strategy and is expected to propose updated guidelines later this year.
“Public health infrastructure is still recovering from the pandemic,” said Dr. Alvarez. “But TB is not waiting. We must act quickly and decisively to contain these outbreaks and prevent a larger crisis.”
