What is Tuberculosis (TB)? TB is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which usually attacks the lungs but can attack anywhere in the body including the kidney, spine, and even the brain. One of the most interesting aspects about TB is that not everyone infected becomes sick. There are two manifestations: TB disease and latent TB infection (LTBI). What is the Difference between TB Disease and Latent TB? How is Someone Infected with TB? A person could become infected if they are near someone who has TB Disease and that person is infectious. Sneezing, coughing, laughing, or singing can transmit those TB bacteria into the air and the other person can inhale them. But, here is a list of ways TB cannot be spread:
TB and Travel? TB is much more common in other countries than it is in the United States, so travelers need to be aware of their risk. In fact, TB has become the leading infectious disease worldwide, even surpassing HIV/AIDS. Avoid close contact or prolonged time spent with known TB patients in enclosed areas. If travel will include being in close contact or prolonged time spent with those who are infectious with TB disease, be sure to have a TB skin or blood test administered and read before leaving the US. If the test is negative, have the same type of TB test completed 8-10 weeks after returning to see if you have become infected. Air travel poses a fairly low risk of contracting TB of any kind; especially on short flights under 8 hours. TB in Nevada While this is not a regulation most other states require, Nevada state law mandates that healthcare workers must have a TB test upon hire and annually after that. Nevada also goes the extra mile to do testing on high risk groups like inmates in correctional facilities, refugees, and immigrants. Finally, a new law requires reporting of any child under the age of five who tests positive for LTBI. World TB Day: March 24th This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of TB. The theme of 2017 is “Unite to End TB.” How is Nevada getting involved in World TB Day? An educational project will reach 2,000 providers (pediatricians, infectious disease doctors, and family practice providers among many others) who either work with children or individuals who may have TB Disease or LTBI. The project will include information about World TB Day, a TB screening tool, several CDC and Nevada resources, TB facts and literature, a list of TB related laws, and the reporting form.
Want to know more about TB in Nevada? Check out OPHIE’s TB page here and be sure to note the resources available on the right side of the main screen. You’ll find resources for the community, the media, and providers, as well as forms, grant information, publications, and upcoming training and education opportunities. Still want more information? Check out CDC’s TB page here.
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AuthorOPHIE records and analyzes data from disease investigations, identifies risk factors, and provides education on disease prevention in Nevada. Archives
November 2018
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