HCPH to host a FREE Zoom webinar about TB on March 25
HOUSTON – In recognizing World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is calling attention to this persistent global health threat and the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention. While progress has been made, tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern, claiming millions of lives worldwide each year.
On Monday, March 25, HCPH will also host a free Zoom webinar entitled “Yes! We can end TB!” to raise awareness about TB and explore ways to prevent, test for, and treat this disease. The webinar will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register at bit.ly/WebinarTB2024 to join the conversation.
“While progress has been made in the fight against TB, it remains a serious threat globally and can affect anyone, especially our most vulnerable populations,” said Dr. Ericka Brown, Local Health Authority for HCPH. “We encourage everyone to learn more about TB, get tested if they are at risk, and complete their treatment if diagnosed. Together, we can work towards eliminating TB in Harris County and beyond.”
What is Tuberculosis?
TB is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. While TB is most commonly associated with the lungs, it can also affect other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, bones, and brain.
Symptoms of TB:
- Persistent cough, often lasting three or more weeks
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain, especially with coughing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
Global and Local Impact:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.3 million people died from TB in 2022, making it the second leading infectious killer globally after COVID-19. In the United States, 8,331 TB cases were reported in 2022, representing a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year.
As the third most populous county in the U.S., Harris County is not immune to this challenge. In 2022, the county reported the highest number of TB cases in Texas, with 267 diagnosed individuals.
Join the Fight Against TB:
Despite its global impact, TB is curable with timely diagnosis and treatment. HCPH’s Tuberculosis Elimination Program offers resources to individuals at risk of TB and those diagnosed with the disease.
- Get informed: Learn about TB symptoms, risk factors, and prevention methods. Visit HCPH’s Tuberculosis Elimination Program web page at HCPHTX.org/TB and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov/TB.
- Get tested: If you have symptoms of TB or are at risk, seek testing from your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment and preventing transmission.
- Spread awareness: Share information about TB with your family, friends, and community. By working together, we can help eliminate TB as a public health threat.