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Almost 40 years ago, when I first entered the EMS arena (1972), Tuberculosis was in decline and most of the TB hospitals around the country were closing.
Antibiotics and education – a least in developed nations – were making a huge impact.
Several times a year, however, I’d be called upon to transport a TB patient to the A. G. Holly TB hospital in Lantana Florida. A slightly nervous four-hour ride in the back of an ambulance for an 18 year-old EMT, armed with just a surgical mask for protection.
While it seemed during the 1970s that we were on our way to beating tuberculosis (something that had hospitalized my grandmother for months in the 1930s), that victory never materialized.
Instead, we’ve seen the rise of new, drug resistant strains of the TB bacillus, and a resurgence of the disease.
Today is World TB day, and the CDC has a webpage devoted to the agencies and activities working to eliminate this deadly scourge. You’ll also find a number of CDC audio podcasts on Tuberculosis at the end of this post.
World TB Day 2010 TB Elimination: Together We Can!
World TB Day is March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB).
World TB Day provides an opportunity to communicate TB-related problems and solutions and to support worldwide TB-control efforts. CDC and our partners are committed to eliminating TB in the United States.
In the United States, the theme for World TB Day 2010 is “TB elimination: Together We Can!”
Eliminating TB: Together We Can!
We can reach the goal of TB elimination by working together and strengthening partnerships. This country’s progress in controlling TB will only be sustainable if local, state, national, and international partners from all sectors of our society join resources and collaborate together. Our united effort is needed to reach those at highest risk for TB, and to identify and implement innovative strategies to improve testing and treatment among high-risk populations.
CDC and its domestic and international partners, including the National TB Controllers Association, Stop TB USA, and the global Stop TB Partnership, are taking many steps to prevent further spread of TB and to reduce the overall burden of the disease. Efforts range from developing new treatment regimens and increasing the capacity of health professionals to provide adequate treatment, to issuing new recommendations for improved testing and treatment for U.S. immigrants.
Working Together to Eliminate TB
"Although preventable and treatable, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) together kill more than 5 million people annually. The burden of these diseases can be reduced—but only with increased governmental and nongovernmental resources, effective public-private partnerships, and strengthened disease-specific and general health systems."
(Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)
How You Can Become a Partner
- Find out more about TB services in your area.
- Educate your community about TB.
- Ensure that efforts to eliminate TB continue.
Because many people are not aware of the impact of TB, local coalitions in many states and countries are convening educational and awareness activities related to World TB Day. Look to see how you can learn more and get involved.
Podcasts
Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
In this podcast, Dr. Oeltmann discusses multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. An outbreak occurred in Thailand, which led to 45 cases in the U.S. This serious illness can take up to 2 years to treat. MDR TB is a real threat and a serious condition.
TB Poem: Expressions from Us to You
Regina D. Bess from CDC's Division of Tuberculosis Elimination wrote this poem for World TB Day 2007 to convey messages of commitment and hope in the efforts to eliminate TB. It captures the essence of the TB program's mission and dedication to the communities it serves.
Emergence of Extensively Drug Resistant Tuberculosis
Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR TB) outbreaks have been reported in South Africa, and strains have been identified on 6 continents. Dr. Peter Cegielski, team leader for drug-resistant TB with the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination at CDC, comments on a multinational team's report on this emerging global public health threat.
Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test
Learn how to evaluate people for latent TB infection with the Mantoux tuberculin skin test. This podcast includes sections on administering and reading the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, the standard method for detecting latent TB infection since the 1930s.
