World Tuberculosis (TB) Day commemorates the discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium by Dr. Robert Koch on March 24, 1882. Koch's discovery opened the way toward diagnosing and curing TB.
On this date each year, World TB day is commemorated to raise awareness among the public and policymakers that tuberculosis remains an epidemic in most parts of the world, and a public health problem in developed countries, causing the deaths of about 1.5 million people each year.
World TB Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about TB-related problems and solutions and to support worldwide TB-control efforts. While great strides have been made to control and cure TB, people still get sick and die from this disease in this country.
The Niagara County Department of Health tuberculosis control program provides services to individuals diagnosed with latent TB infection or disease.
"With treatment, we can prevent the spread or development into active disease," the department stated. "Individuals diagnosed with TB disease receive visits from health department nurses for health assessment and teaching, monitoring, follow-up testing, supervision of TB medication compliance, as well as identification of any individuals who may have been exposed to the disease. TB clinics are conducted monthly, by appointment only for individuals diagnosed with latent TB infection. The clinic, staffed by nurses and a medical doctor who specializes in TB, provides health assessment and teaching regarding tuberculosis and treatment options."
Upon request, the nursing division conducts educational sessions and training about TB to nursing homes, hospitals, academic institutions and other congregate settings. For further information on tuberculosis, clinics and in-service opportunities, contact the Niagara County Department of Health Nursing Division at 716-278-1900.
