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Guest column

TB testing can help control the disease

By CITRUS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Published March 26, 2005

In the late 19th century, tuberculosis killed one out of every seven people living in the United States and Europe. On March 24, 1882, Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of the TB bacillus. At the time, the discovery was the most important step taken toward the control and elimination of the deadly disease.

In 2004, Florida reported 1,076 cases of active TB, a 2.87 percent increase since 2003. Citrus County reported four active cases, which is one more than in 2003. The Citrus County Health Department wants to remind people that TB can be cured, controlled and eventually eliminated.

TB, or tuberculosis, is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can attack any part of the body, but usually attack the lungs. TB is spread through the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breath in the bacteria and become infected. It is most likely to spread between people in everyday contact. That includes family, friends and co-workers.

In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop them from growing. The bacteria become inactive but remain alive in the body and can become active later. That is called latent TB infection. People with latent TB infection have no symptoms, do not feel sick, can't spread TB, usually test positive and can develop TB if left untreated.

TB bacteria become active if the immune system can't stop them from growing. Babies, young children and anyone with a weak immune system are at increased risk for the disease after exposure. Symptoms of TB depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are grooving. TB usually grows in the lungs and may cause a bad cough that lasts more than two weeks, pain in the chest and coughing up blood or phlegm. Other symptoms of TB are weakness or fatigue, weight loss, no appetite, chills, fever and night sweats. Treatment is available to cure active TB.

For a screening, contact your doctor or any Citrus County Health Department office: Lecanto 527-0068, Inverness 726-1731, Crystal River 795-6233.

Editor's note: This public service information was provided by the Citrus County Health Department.

[Last modified March 26, 2005, 01:08:17]