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Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection which can attack any part
of the body, but is found most often in the lungs. In the early 1900's tuberculosis
was the leading cause of death in the United States. In 1940 scientists
began discovering drugs which would effectively treat the disease.
The disease has declined over the years, but there is still approximately
16,000 cases in the United States each year.
Tuberculosis is spread through droplets in the air. When an infected
person sneezes or coughs, the bacteria are put in the air. People
nearby may breath in the droplets and become ill. After the droplets
are breathed in they begin to grow in the lungs. They may stay there,
or they may move to other organs (kidney, liver, or spine).
The Tooele
County Health Department follows up on any positive TB skin
test, or anyone with active Tuberculosis (TB). The health department
works with the Utah Department of Health in investigating cases of
active TB in Tooele County. Preventive medication and free nursing
services can be provided to those with positive skin tests and negative
chest X-rays.
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