[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Today is World TB Day

[Press Releases]

For Immediate Release
March 24, 2010
 
                                                                       
           Contact: Christy Thompson, Public Health Nurse
                                                                       
                         (573) 874-6319
 
Today is World TB Day
TB Elimination – Together We Can!
 
Today is World TB Day and commemorates the date that Dr. Robert Koch
announced the bacteria that causes tuberculosis or TB. TB is a disease
caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease
normally attacks the lungs, but can affect other areas of the body as
well. It is spread through the air when individuals with active
tuberculosis disease cough, sneeze, or talk. Symptoms of active disease
include: a cough lasting longer than 3 weeks, chest pain, coughing up
blood, fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever and night sweats. TB disease
can cause serious illness or death unless it is treated. 
 
TB has existed in the population for many years and has been found in
prehistoric human remains from approximately 7000 BC. Currently, an
estimated 1/3 of the world’s population is infected with the TB germ.
However, the distribution of TB is not consistent worldwide.
Approximately 80% of individuals residing in Asia and Africa test
positive for TB in contrast with the United States where 5 – 10% test
positive for the TB germ. Individuals infected with the TB germ may
later develop tuberculosis disease and then spread the disease to other
people. Persons with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of
progressing to disease once they are infected with the TB germ. TB
disease is the leading killer among those infected with HIV.
 
The health department provides treatment to individuals with
tuberculosis infection and to those with tuberculosis disease. A
follow-up investigation is conducted to identify people who may have
been exposed to someone with tuberculosis disease. Public Health Nurses
meet with clients on a routine basis during treatment to ensure their
medication is taken properly. Case management is available at no charge
to those who have tuberculosis infection or disease.
 
For questions or more information on tuberculosis, please call Christy
Thompson at 573-874-6319.
 
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