Queens residents may be at a substantially higher risk for tuberculosis (TB) than the average American, despite an encouraging citywide decrease in occurrences of the disease, according to data released by the New York City Department of Health.
While the national average for tuberculosis occurrences is 3.8 cases per every 100,000 people, the rate for west Queens is 21.5 cases, an increase of more than five times. Flushing is also well above the national average, with 16.3 cases per.
New cases of tuberculosis in the city numbered 760 in 2009. This reflects a 15 percent decrease from 2008 and a drop of 79 percent from the disease’s highest levels, reached in the early 1990s.
However, Queens neighborhoods are still affected by the disease at levels dramatically higher than elsewhere in the country. This means that while the city as a whole should be applauded for the strides it has made in combating the disease, it must also recognize the need for continued efforts.
“New York City has long been a model for the rest of the world in TB control,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “But there is more to be done, and we can’t do it alone. We must continue to work with our partners to prevent the spread of disease and to ensure that TB patients receive proper care.”
The wide ethnic demographics in Queens may play a role in the borough’s poor rates. According to the health department data, which was released on March 24, foreign born New Yorkers comprise most of the city’s tuberculosis cases, accounting for 77 percent. China leads the pack for countries of origin of the city’s TB patients, followed distantly by Mexico, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and India. The high rate in Flushing may be accounted for by its large population of Chinese residents.
A bacterial infection, tuberculosis is commonly spread from one person to another through the air. People may act as a carrier for the infection, spreading it through their breathing, coughing and speaking, for many years before the disease becomes active in their own bodies. While that might make any Queens resident cringe at the thought of their next ride on the No. 7 train, tuberculosis is thought to spread only through close, daily contact.
Despite being contagious, tuberculosis is not thought to spread by minor physical contact, such as hand shaking, or by sharing food or spending a short amount of time with an infected person.
Nine million people, on average, are infected with tuberculosis worldwide, and more than 1.5 million will die. However, most fatal cases are confined to the developing world.
For those interested in curbing their risk of contracting the disease, the health department offers free tuberculosis testing in all five boroughs. For more information call 3-1-1 or visit www.nyc.gov/health/tb.
