tb

Once again, it's a World Day - today's topic, TB (tuberculosis). 

Here are some interesting facts about TB in Minnesota...

Did you know: 

1. TB is actually still one of the most deadly diseases in the world today (killing nearly 2 million per year). Crazy huh? I guess most people forget about it, because with proper medical care and/or prevention it can be cured.
2. In 2008 there were 2 TB outbreaks in MN.
3. The MN Department of Health gives free TB treatment to any resident who needs it. 
4. For every person affected by TB, dozens more have the TB infection - of those, 1/10 will develop TB. 

How can all this be stopped? 1. Early diagnostics, 2. Complete Treatment (it's a long process,  we're talking - a year or more), 3. More screening/treatment for individuals who live or work in at-risk areas (new immigrants/refugees, primary care settings, etc.), 4. Awareness

If you think you might have TB or be carrying the infection: get tested! It's not too bad, I got the skin test before interning with Lutheran Services. I was a little freaked out by the skin injection (it looks like a tiny white dot on your forearm), but after 72 hours - I had no swelling or irritation, meaning 1. no TB avec moi, 2. it just hadn't been in my body long enough. Should you get a skin test + irritation, fear not, many people have false positive results, and a simple lung screening can confirm or deny the results. 

More information about World TB Day can be found at these web sites: 

CDC/DTBE, Minnesota Department of Health, Stop TB Partnership