HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.20.2024 TB Day City of Plainview NEWS th 202 W. 5 Street Plainview, TX 79072 March 20, 2024 “Yes! We Can End TB” -- World th Tuberculosis Day is Sunday, March 24 As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day approaches on Sunday, th March 24, organizations around the world, including the Plainview – Hale County Health Department, are raising awareness to eliminate this deadly disease. This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB” is not only an important global mission, but also a local mission; in 2022, five cases of TB were reported in Hale County. What is TB? Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs that spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys or the spine. TB can be deadly if a person does not get treatment. How is TB spread? If a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings, those germs can go into the air and stay for several hours depending on the environment.  People who breathe in air containing these TB germs can become infected with a TB infection; if untreated, TB infection can become TB disease. What If I am Exposed to Someone with TB disease? Not everyone who is exposed to TB becomes infected with the TB germs. If you believe you have been exposed to TB, contact your doctor or the local health department for more information about screening and testing. How do I get tested for TB? There are two tests that can be used to help detect TB infection: a skin test or a TB blood test. A positive test can only indicate if you have TB germs in your body; other tests may be needed to tell if you have TB disease, such as a chest x-ray (CXR) and other laboratory testing. The Plainview – Hale County Health Department offers TB skin tests on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning; no appointment needed. For more information, call 806.296.1100 or visit www.plainviewtx.org. Texas Tuberculosis Care Counts and Rates by County, 2022 ###