By Agencies
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World TB Day, held on March 24 each year, is an occasion for people around the world to raise awareness about the devastating health and economic consequences of Tuberculosis (TB), and to elicit support for TB prevention and control activities.
TB continues to be one of the deadliest diseases globally.
Since 2018, Santa Barbara County has seen an increase in TB cases, which continues to place a burden on communities of color and vulnerable populations.
The number of active TB cases is only the tip of the iceberg.
For every person with active TB, there are many more that have latent TB infection (LTBI).
LTBI is a condition in which a person is infected with TB bacteria but does not currently have active TB disease, and cannot spread TB to others.
However, if these bacteria become active and multiply, LTBI can turn into TB disease.
Without treatment, on average 5-10% of people with LTBI will develop TB disease.
TB can be prevented by identifying individuals with LTBI and prescribing them short-term treatment regimens, before they progress to active disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing persons with risk factors for TB, especially those with risks for progression to TB disease.
If any of the following risk factors are present, testing is recommended.
If they are from a country where TB is common
If they have health problems that make it hard to fight TB disease (HIV, organ transplant recipient, diabetes, or taking medication(s) that lowers the immune system).
If they have been in close contact with someone with infectious TB disease
Santa Barbara County continues to strengthen its partnerships with physicians, health care agencies, community organizations and leaders who work with underserved populations.
Outreach activities have been enhanced to provide on-site TB education to vulnerable populations on TB risk, testing, and treatment of LTBI.
This year’s theme, «Invest to End TB. Save Lives,» conveys the urgent need to invest resources to ramp up the fight against TB and achieve the commitments to end TB made by global leaders.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is committed to this effort and invites the medical and general community to join us in the fight against TB in Santa Barbara County.
