ALLEN (Feb. 25, 2011) – Recent news that a Dallas student who died of other causes also had tuberculosis has led to local questions about the disease.

“Tuberculosis is pretty rare,” said Dr. Martin Jones, Regional Director for CareNow. “it tends to make news when someone in Dallas has it.”

Dr. Jones hasn’t seen any cases from the Allen clinic. People come into the clinic to get tested for TB in pre-employment exams. he says a new blood test is available for people who need to be tested. Jones also prepared an informational guide on TB for families in Allen who have more questions about the illness.

What you should know about Tuberculosis?

“TB” is short for tuberculosis. TB disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. the bacteria usually attack the lungs, and if not treated properly, TB can be fatal.

The general symptoms of TB disease include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. the symptoms of TB disease of the lungs also include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood.

TB germs are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. these germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB germs can become infected; this is called latent TB infection.

People with latent TB infection have TB germs in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs are not active. these people do not have symptoms of TB disease, and they cannot spread the germs to others. however, they may develop TB disease in the future. they are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.

People with TB disease are sick from TB germs that are active, meaning that they are multiplying and destroying tissue in their body. they usually have symptoms of TB disease. People with TB disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading germs to others. they are prescribed drugs that can treat TB disease.

People with TB disease are most likely to spread the germs to people they spend time with every day, such as family members or coworkers. If you have been around someone who has TB disease, you should go to your doctor or your local health department for tests.

Those at highest risk of developing TB infection (which may not progress to TB disease) are those exposed to those with active TB disease. these are usually close contacts and not those with an incidental exposure, but any known exposure should be tested. Those who have spent time in known endemic countries where TB prevalence is high are also at risk. In addition prisons, homeless shelters and other crowded institutions are known to have a higher risk of spreading TB.

You can be tested for TB infection with a simple skin test or a new blood test that has recently become available.

Jones shares information on a weekly basis from CareNow’s Allen clinic, as well as from CareNow’s regional clinics for a wider perpective on illnesses which may affect Allen families. Jones and his wife live in Allen and his children attend Allen schools. Jones is board certified in family practice and also a Fellow of the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians and a Member American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

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