Tuberculosis at an All-Time Low in South Dakota

South Dakota logged a record low number of tuberculosis(TB) cases in 2013.

State Health Department officials say nine cases were reported for the year, the lowest number ever.

State Epidemiologist Lon Kightlinger says TB has in the past been a challenge, with 512 cases reported in 1950, when the state had two active TB hospitals.

He says the low figure in 2013 represents "literally decades of hard work by public health and the private medical community."

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that Kightlinger says usually affects the lungs.

Under state law, all suspected TB cases must be reported to the Health Department.