CDC Launches Think. Test. Treat TB Campaign in U.S.

Content From: Philip LoBue, MD, FACP, FCCP, Director, Division of Tuberculosis Elimination, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionPublished: March 22, 20222 min read

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Tuberculosis hides in plain sight. Learn the facts.

CDC has launched Think. Test. Treat TB, the first national communications campaign to increase testing and treatment for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection in the United States.

Eliminating TB in the United States requires expanding testing and treatment of latent TB infection. Up to 13 million people are living with latent tuberculosis infection in the United States. Without treatment, 5-10% of people with latent TB infection will develop TB disease. Yet, the notion that TB is no longer a problem persists. TB is also a disease of disparity, disproportionately impacting Asian American communities. TB is an important public health issue that needs to be addressed to build healthier communities and help achieve health equity.

The Think. Test. Treat TB campaign aims to raise awareness about latent TB infection, risk, and the link between latent TB infection and TB disease by encouraging Asian Americans and their healthcare providers to:

  • Think about the risk factors and talk about TB
  • Test for TB infection
  • Treat latent TB infection to prevent the development of TB disease

The campaign will initially reach individuals born in Vietnam or the Philippines, currently living in the Los Angeles and Seattle areas, and their healthcare providers. Campaign materials are also available for use nationwide.

The Think. Test. Treat TB website has free resources in multiple languages, including TB messages, digital and print resources, social media content, patient and provider education materials, and a partner toolkit.

We encourage you to use the Think. Test. Treat TB resources in your communication and outreach efforts. Here are some ideas to help spread the word:

For more information about this campaign, visit www.cdc.gov/thinktesttreattb and follow our activities on TwitterExit Disclaimer and FacebookExit Disclaimer. If you have any questions, please contact tbinfo@cdc.gov.