Department of Health Reminds Pennsylvanians that Prompt and Accurate Diagnosis is Key to Eliminating Spread of Tuberculosis

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In observance of World Tuberculosis Day, Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy today stressed the importance of increasing awareness of tuberculosis (TB) and continuing efforts to control the infectious airborne disease that killed approximately 1.1 million people worldwide in 2013. In Pennsylvania, the number of reported TB cases dropped from 234 in 2012 to 214 in 2013, representing an 8.5 percent decline.   

"Quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease have helped lower the number of reported TB cases in Pennsylvania over the past decade," said Murphy. "Despite this progress, foreign-born individuals and racial and ethnic minorities continue to be disproportionately affected by TB. Nationally and globally, we must continue to address TB among the hardest hit populations."

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by bacteria. It usually affects the lungs but may seriously damage other parts of the body as well. Individuals who have TB of the lungs or airways can spread the disease and infect others by coughing, sneezing, singing, or speaking. 

Although the number of TB cases is relatively low in the Unites States, the disease has not been completely eradicated and is still a serious problem in less-developed regions of the world. TB can be misdiagnosed and improperly treated if health care workers are not familiar with the symptoms. Health care workers and clinicians should suspect TB disease in anyone who has any of the following symptoms:

• a persistent cough lasting three or more weeks;
• pain in the chest;
• fever;
• night sweats;
• loss of appetite;
• weight loss; and
• fatigue.

Anyone can get TB, but certain factors can increase one's risk of contracting the disease, including travelling or living in certain countries where TB is common, such as Mexico, the Philippines, India, China, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Individuals who have visited one of these countries recently and have any of the above symptoms should seek medical care immediately and inform their health care provider about their recent travel.

World TB Day recognizes the global fight against the spread of tuberculosis and encourages communities to mobilize and boost awareness of the importance of controlling the spread of TB. 

For more information on tuberculosis, visit the Department of Health website at www.health.pa.gov. For information on World TB Day, visit www.stoptb.org.

Media contact: Holli Senior, 717-787-1783  

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.health.pa.gov

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