Discovery, Vaccine and Development of TB
The history of Tuberculosis dates back to 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch made a discovery of a bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis which was claimed to be the reason behind the disease (Murray, Schraufnagel & Hopewell, 2015). At the time, it is claimed that the disease killed one out of seven people in Europe and the United States. According to Dr. Koch, the discovery of the bacteria was a milestone towards the control and elimination of the disease that had become a global health concern. Research demonstrate that prior to the discovery of the bacteria, the disease had been in existence for over 150 million years and have taken the lives of millions of people across the globe (Murray, Schraufnagel & Hopewell, 2015). Recent studies have shed more light on the cause and propagation of the disease revealing that human TB predated also on animals including cattle.
In the late 19th century, TB is said to have been at its peak in the US and the major cause of deaths in the country. There was no major developments in research about TB until 1940 when experts started to embark on the development of the para-amino salicylic drug. Arguably, the 20th century was a monumental century in the study and understanding of TB (Murray, Schraufnagel & Hopewell, 2015). As at 1900, it is estimated that 200 persons out of 100,000 white Americans were dying from the disease. The statistics were even worse for black Americans since approximately 400 of 100,000 were succumbing to the disease (Murray, Schraufnagel & Hopewell, 2015). In 1908, there was a positive step made in the journey when Tuberculin was unveiled as a diagnosis for the disease. In 1921, there was the development of the BCG vaccine that was used for humans.
Researchers had an uphill task to undertake in the second half of the 20th century since the disease had evolved and had reached the point where it was resistant to the existing drugs and other medical interventions (Murray, Schraufnagel & Hopewell, 2015). Drug resistance remains a hindrance in the journey towards finding a solution to Tuberculosis; a disease that continues to claim the lives of people especially in third world countries that are victims of social, economic and political disadvantages. Advancements in research on the subject of TB vaccine and treatment in the 21st century has taken a different dimension where the focus is on the reduction of the severity of the disease (Murray, Schraufnagel & Hopewell, 2015). However, it should be noted that there is still on ongoing research geared towards finding a cure for the disease. The 1994 milestone on the vaccine for the disease continues to help address containment measures. Today, the World Health Organization has dedicated resources towards finding a viable and lasting solution to Tuberculosis; a disease that is among the top five killer diseases globally.
Tuberculosis Progression in California
Generally, Tuberculosis new cases in the US has tremendously reduced over the past two decades owing to the success of public health departments on control and prevention. The same can be said about the state of California. Which is has been the leading in the US in terms of numbers ever since the 1980s. More than 20% of the reported cases of TB in the US are from California (Jo et al., 2020). The graph below demonstrates the progression of the numbers of TB cases in California since the 1980s to date. From the below graphical representation, it is evident that the number of TB new cases increased rapidly from the 1980s until 1992 (Jo et al., 2020). However, since early 1990s, the was a rapid decline in new TB cases of TB in the state until early 21st century when the declining trend become relatively even. Generally, cases of Tuberculosis in the state of California has been on a downward trend in the past 30 years and is expected to continue with the trajectory as more advancements in research are being made (Jo et al., 2020).
TB Progression in California
Significance of the California Statistics
The decline in TB numbers in the state of California paints a picture on how successful the US government has been in its fight against the disease. The decreasing numbers shows how the policies put in place by the state of California, as well as the general public health prevention and control measures have worked out (Menzies et al., 2020). The declining numbers in California can be attributed to policies such as compulsory screening of immigrants, aggressive case finding as well as favorable demographic changes in the state (Menzies et al., 2020). Additionally, the state of California has made remarkable successes in the journey towards treatment of HIV/AIDS which is associated to the severity of the disease.
The statistics in California creates a path that ought to be emulated by other states given that the progressi