HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.20.2024 TB Day
City of Plainview NEWS
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202 W. 5 Street
Plainview, TX 79072
March 20, 2024
“Yes! We Can End TB” -- World
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Tuberculosis Day is Sunday, March 24
As World Tuberculosis (TB) Day approaches on Sunday,
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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
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