• Marin County reports a 44% increase in active tuberculosis cases in 2024, reaching 13 cases, and already has 14 confirmed cases in 2025.
• Health officials emphasize the importance of screenings, especially with an observed increase in cases among younger people, deviating from the typical patient profile.
• A new California law (AB 2132) requires primary care providers to offer tuberculosis screenings to adults with identified risk factors, promoting early detection.

Marin County's public health officials are addressing a concerning rise in active tuberculosis cases. In 2024, the county reported 13 cases, marking a 44% increase from the previous year. The trend continues into 2025, with 14 cases already confirmed. This increase has spurred a public health advisory to raise awareness about tuberculosis, an airborne illness primarily affecting the lungs. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of early screening and treatment to control the spread, particularly among younger residents who are increasingly affected.

• What: An increase in active tuberculosis cases in Marin County, California.
• Who: Marin County residents, Marin County Public Health, Dr. Lisa Santora (Marin's public health officer), Dr. Gregg Tolliver (MarinHealth), Dr. Elizabeth Shaw (Marin Community Clinics), California Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• When: The increase was observed in 2024 (13 cases, a 44% increase from the previous year) and continues in 2025 (14 cases confirmed so far). The article was updated May 7, 2025.
• Where: Marin County, California.

The increase in tuberculosis cases in Marin County is a significant public health concern, especially given the shift in affected demographics toward younger individuals. The public health advisory and the emphasis on screenings indicate proactive measures by the county to control the spread of the disease. The implementation of Assembly Bill 2132, requiring tuberculosis screenings by primary care providers, is a crucial step toward early detection and treatment across California. The combination of local initiatives and state-level policies aims to address both active and latent tuberculosis infections to prevent future outbreaks.

It’s one of those diseases that people forget about. They think it’s an old disease that doesn’t exist, and when we saw the data we thought it was a good time to issue an advisory.

For us to screen and to treat latent tuberculosis are the best tools that we have for preventing an active disease.

I think the important message is that some of the active TB cases in the county are in patients who do not necessarily fall into the groups we consider highest risk, so we may need to expand that definition.

Marin County is actively responding to a notable increase in tuberculosis cases by issuing public health advisories and promoting screenings. The rise in cases among younger residents highlights the need for broader screening protocols. The implementation of California's Assembly Bill 2132 supports these efforts by mandating screenings in primary care settings. Ongoing monitoring and proactive treatment strategies are essential to curbing the spread of tuberculosis in Marin County and statewide.