Read, Watch or Listen

Three individuals in Maine's Greater Portland area have been diagnosed with active tuberculosis, prompting health officials to identify and isolate close contacts. While the risk to the general public is deemed low, the cases follow a nationwide increase in US tuberculosis infections, reaching the highest level since 2011. The World Health Organization considers tuberculosis the world's deadliest disease due to its high mortality rate, though modern treatments significantly reduce fatalities. Authorities emphasize that transmission requires close, prolonged contact and dispelled online rumors linking the cases to a specific shelter.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.