OLYMPIA — State health officials say the number of cases of tuberculosis declined slightly in 2014.
The Department of Health says there were 193 cases of tuberculosis reported in the state. That’s down 8 percent from the 209 cases reported in 2013.
Nearly half of the 2014 cases were in King County.
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease that attacks the lungs and can be fatal if not treated with antibiotics. It is generally spread by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include a bad cough for three weeks or longer, chest pain, weakness or fatigue, and coughing up blood.
Infection is common and easily treated if it’s an early stage is more complex and serious when it develops into disease.
