Fighting Tuberculosis in Rockland County

March is Tuberculosis Awareness Month.

And with a recent TB case in Rockland, before the month ends is a perfect time to raise awareness about TB, and the county Health Department's two TB clinics.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by a germ called mycobacteria. TB usually infects the lungs, but it can infect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, bones and lymph nodes.

"Finding and treating TB early can prevent serious medical problems, and the spread of the disease to others," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

The county has been fighting TB for years, and data for the last 10 years show progress.

In 2005: the TB rate across the United States was 4.8 cases per 100,000 people; the New York State TB rate was 6.8/100,000; and the Rockland TB rate was 10.5/100,000.

In 2015: The US TB rate not available yet (but 2014 was 3.0/100,000); and preliminary data show the state's TB rate was 4.5/100,000; while the TB rate in Rockland was down to 2.52/100,000.

Data provided by Anil K. Vaidian, M.D., M.P.H.Director, Disease Control & Prevention, Rockland County Department of Health.

We have made tremendous strides in lowering our TB case rates. Although our case numbers are lower, our work with latent infections and contact investigations keep us quite busy, he said.

RELATED: Nyack Students Exposed to Person with Tuberculosis

TB infection can be latent or active.

Latent TB infection means that the TB germ is in your body (usually the lungs), but it is not actively growing, spreading or causing symptoms. A person with latent TB cannot spread the germ. Active TB infection means that the germ is growing and spreading in the lungs and/or other parts of the body. A person with active TB usually becomes sick and can spread the TB germ to others. Both latent and active TB can be cured if you take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

A person with active TB of the lungs can spread the germs through the air by coughing, sneezing or even singing. Nearby people who breathe in the germs can then become infected. Usually you have to be very close to a person with active TB for a long time before you can get infected. You cannot get TB by touching doorknobs, handles, or other objects. The symptoms depend upon which part of the body is infected with TB, but common signs of active TB include: a constant cough; fevers; night sweats; loss of appetite; weight loss; fatigue (tiredness); and coughing up blood.

Get tested for TB if:

• You have symptoms of active TB disease; or
• You have spent time with a person with known or suspected active TB disease; or
• You have HIV infection or another condition that weakens your immune system; or
• You are from a country outside the United States where active TB disease is common; or
• You have visited or lived somewhere where there is a high TB rate; or
• You inject illegal drugs.

The Rockland Health Department's Chest Clinic offers medical evaluation and treatment of tuberculosis. All services are by appointment only - call 845-364-2995.

The Health Department's TST Clinic performs tuberculin skin tests to check for tuberculosis infection. TST (also called a PPD test) is available for those who are required to get this test for work, immigration or other reasons. Call 845-364-2997 for an appointment. There is a $25 charge for the skin test. If a chest x-ray is required, the cost for the x-ray is $50. They accept cash or check at the time of your appointment.

For general information about TB, and for health care providers reporting cases or needing information, call 845-364-2997.