Santa Barbara County Recognizes World TB Day and Local Partners Fighting Tuberculosis

On March 15, 2011, Supervisor Lavagnino will be presenting a proclamation at the Board of Supervisor’s meeting recognizing World TB Day, March 24, 1011, to help raise public awareness of tuberculosis and the efforts made to prevent and treat the disease.

There have been great strides made toward reducing the incidence and spread of tuberculosis, yet there is a tremendous need to maintain a high level of awareness. TB is an airborne disease, it spreads from person to person, and with extensive global migration it is a worldwide disease.

• Each year 9-million people become ill with TB, 2 million people die worldwide, and one-third of the world’s population is infected with TB.

• In 2010, there were 2,326 active TB cases reported in California; with 30 of these active TB cases occurring in Santa Barbara County.

• In 2010, the Santa Barbara County Disease Control staff evaluated 265 persons who had significant exposure to active TB cases to prevent further spread of TB.

• The Santa Barbara County Disease Control staff has worked strategically with community partners serving high-risk clients to promote targeted testing and treatment for populations at greatest risk of developing TB disease.

World TB day commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Early detection and intervention are keys to preventing the spread of TB. Santa Barbara County Disease Control staff work closely with local hospitals, community health centers, and private physician’s offices to identify, diagnose and treat tuberculosis. Santa Barbara County is committed to doing our part to halt and reverse the spread of TB by 2015.