BROOKLYN — There has been an outbreak of tuberculosis among young Chinese immigrants in Sunset Park, according to a Department of Health and Mental Hygiene alert.
There have been 15 confirmed cases since June 2013, with seven of those identified since September, according to the alert. Health care providers were advised to look out for symptoms including fever, a cough lasting several weeks, night sweats and weight loss.
“While overall tuberculosis (TB) rates in NYC have declined steadily over the past two decades, the proportion of cases among persons born outside of the United States has increased to 84%, and local TB transmission continues to occur,” the alert read.
Most of those stricken with the disease have been young men who frequent Internet cafes and work in out-of-state restaurants.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that most often affects the lungs. It is most generally spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks in close proximity of others, according to the Department of Health.
It is unlikely to get the disease from brief contact with someone who is sick.
The Department of Health has a list of chest centers where people can get tested.
