LOS ANGELES – In observance of World TB Day 2019 on Sunday, March 24, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) and community partners will light the LAX pylons, Grand Park Fountain and Union Station up in red as part of the Stop TB Partnership Light up the World campaign to honor victims and survivors of the deadly disease.
Los Angeles County recorded a total of 529 cases of tuberculosis (TB) in 2018, a slight increase over the 510 TB cases reported for 2017, and accounting for about 25% of annual statewide TB cases. TB is spread from person to person through the air when a person with active TB disease coughs, exposing others around them to the disease. People can become infected when they breathe in TB bacteria and develop TB infection, a form of TB that is not contagious. TB infection can be treated with medication that will prevent people with TB infection from developing active TB disease. Active TB disease, and even drug resistant TB disease is treatable.
People who are most at risk for TB infection and develop TB disease are people who have lived with someone with active TB disease, have spent extended time in a country with high TB rates, are experiencing homelessness, and are living with HIV/AIDs infection or are taking medications that suppress their immune system.
“These numbers show that we need to stay vigilant about fighting TB in Los Angeles County,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Given the new tools and strategies available to identify and treat TB infection early, Public Health has dedicated resources to improve outreach and education efforts.”
Public Health officials will be talking to residents about TB at various events throughout the week. Today, Thursday March 21, join Public Health at the East Hollywood Certified Farmers’ Market at 5448 Hollywood Blvd, where Public Health staff will be handing out information and educational materials about TB.
Public Health officials and a TB survivor will be available for questions:
When: Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: East Hollywood Certified Farmers’ Market at 5448 Hollywood Blvd.
More information about TB is available at: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/tb/.
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