World TB Day on March 24, 2018, commemorates the annual affirmation to raise awareness about the devastating health, social, and economic consequences of Tuberculosis (TB), and the increase the efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) encourages residents to learn more about TB infection, assess their risk factors, and get tested to help prevent one of the most infectious worldwide killers that – according to the World Health Organization (WHO) – claims over 4,000 lives a day.
TB can be fatal if left untreated and is often misdiagnosed as pneumonia. Although most commonly affecting the lungs, it can also attack the kidneys, spine and brain of the infected person. TB is also a common co-infection and a leading cause of death for individuals infected with HIV.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 302 new cases of tuberculosis were reported in Georgia alone in 2016, the most recent year of report, and that Georgia is included in a count of twelve states with a higher incidence rate than the national average.
According to Phyllistine Gardner, District Tuberculosis Coordinator at Cobb & Douglas Public Health, the rate of infected residents has gone down over the last year in Cobb and Douglas counties as her and her team work diligently to get more residents into care.
“Our team has done a tremendous job at identifying and linking residents into TB care,” said Gardner. “We’re so proud to see that the incidence rate of TB disease is decreasing while the amount of residents getting the care they need is increasing, and we feel there’s a strong correlation with the community knowing they can receive care for tuberculosis.”
Residents of Cobb and Douglas, or surrounding counties can call (770) 514-2362 for more information about tuberculosis or visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.com/services/adult-health-services/tuberculosis/.
About Cobb & Douglas Public Health
Cobb & Douglas Public Health, along with the Georgia Department of Public Health, has been committed to the mission of “Healthier Lives. Healthier Community.” since 1920. We are dedicated to improving our residents’ quality of life by tracking and preventing the spread of disease, promoting health and safety, providing exceptional medical services, and ensuring that our community is prepared for public health emergencies. For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.