public health

Recent Cancer Report Reflects the Importance of Early Screening

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Every year, the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer offers a snapshot of the nation’s ongoing battle against cancer. This collaborative effort from  the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides crucial insights into cancer incidence, mortality, and trends. 

From the public health perspective, this report helps highlight both the progress we’ve made and the areas where our work can make the biggest difference — particularly when it comes to the life-saving potential of early screenings.

 

Key Takeaways in Cancer Trends

The latest report paints a picture of both encouraging advancements and persistent challenges in the fight against cancer. One of the most significant positive trends is the steady decline in overall cancer death rates observed between 2001 and 2022. This sustained decrease underscores the impact of advancements in treatment, early detection methods, and prevention efforts.

At the same time, new cancer diagnoses among women grew steadily among women between 2003 and 2021 — largely driven by a consistent rise in breast cancer diagnoses. However, the overall mortality rate from breast cancer has been on the decline.

The report shows a profound impact in public health initiatives directed at curtailing harmful habits. The decline in smoking and increasing prevalence of smoking cessation programs over the past two decades has resulted in a significant drop in tobacco-related cancers.

Conversely, the report highlights an emerging trend of concern: a rise in the incidence of cancers associated with obesity. These include cancers of the female breast, uterus, colon and rectum, pancreas, kidney, and liver. 

 

Decoding the Data: What Cancer Rates Really Tell Us

Understanding the data from this report requires us to look beyond the numbers. It’s especially important to recognize that changes in cancer rates don’t always translate directly to changes in the actual occurrence of cancer. For instance, an increase in reported cancer cases in a community might understandably cause concern. However, this increase could actually reflect more effective and widespread screening programs. 

Screening programs are designed to detect cancers earlier, often at a more treatable stage. While this leads to a higher number of diagnoses being recorded, the early detection is also a significant contributor to better outcomes.

It’s notable how the overall rate of new cancer cases in the United States plummeted 8 percent in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the pandemic disruptions making it more difficult for patients to see their doctor, it was more challenging for them to receive the screenings that could lead to early detection. New cancer cases returned to expected levels in 2021. 

 

The Power of Prevention: How Cancer Screenings Improve Our Understanding

Cancer screenings are more than just tests; they are powerful tools that significantly enhance our understanding and management of cancer. By proactively looking for signs of cancer in individuals who may not yet have symptoms, screenings offer several key advantages:

  • Early Detection: This is perhaps the most critical benefit. Detecting cancer at an earlier stage, when it is often smaller and hasn’t spread, dramatically improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.
  • Identifying Precancerous Changes: Some screenings can identify precancerous conditions, allowing for interventions that can prevent cancer from developing in the first place.
  • Understanding Disease Patterns: Population-wide screening data contributes valuable information to our understanding of cancer incidence, prevalence, and risk factors within specific communities. This data helps inform public health initiatives and resource allocation.
  • Empowering Individuals: Screening programs empower individuals to take an active role in their health. Knowing their screening options and understanding the potential benefits can lead to earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.

 

Your Local Support: Cancer Screening Services at the Uncas Health District

The Uncas Health District is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community through various cancer prevention and early detection initiatives. We proudly offer resources and support for:

We encourage you to reach out to the Uncas Health District to learn more about available screening programs and how you can take proactive steps towards cancer prevention and early detection. Your health is our priority, and early detection can make a life-changing difference.

When Should You Call Out Sick?

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April 28 is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, with a focus on what employers and employees can do to maintain workplace safety. One crucial factor that often gets overlooked is the importance of staying home when you’re sick.

Employees often feel obligated to go into work even when they’re under the weather, but doing so is a leading factor in the spread of contagious diseases. Remember that taking a sick day isn’t just about your own recovery; it’s an act of responsibility that helps protect your colleagues and the wider community.

 

Why Working While Sick Isn’t Worth It

The pressure to avoid calling out sick can be immense. People worry about falling behind on their projects and burdening their team. They’re reluctant to use up their paid time off. They may even think that taking a sick day will jeopardize their position, fearing that their employer will regard taking time off for illness as a lack of commitment.

However, the workplace allows for the easy transmission of disease, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and even the break room coffee machine all serving as potential transmission points. Coming into work while sick can cause much greater disruptions than taking a day off to recover by:

  • Prolonging your own illness: Trying to work while your body is fighting off an infection can hinder your recovery and potentially lead to more serious complications.
  • Spreading illness to colleagues: You might think you can power through something that feels like a moderate cold, but the same illness could cause more severe symptoms if it spreads to a colleague with a compromised immune system or underlying health condition.
  • Reduced productivity and errors: When you’re not feeling your best, your focus and cognitive abilities are likely impaired. This makes it more likely that you will make mistakes, be less efficient, and not produce your best work. The spread of an illness can amplify these same effects within your team, leading to a much more significant disruption than if you had simply stayed home.

 

Knowing When It’s Time to Stay Home

It’s especially important to know when something is a minor ailment and when it’s a symptom of something more serious. If you can maintain hygiene and manage your symptoms, such as taking an aspirin for a mild headache, you may not need to take a sick day.

However, your body will send clear signals when it needs a rest. These include:

  • Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, which is often a sign of an infection.
  • Persistent cough or difficulty breathing: These symptoms can be signs of respiratory illnesses like the flu or bronchitis, which are highly contagious.
  • Significant gastrointestinal issues: Vomiting or diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration and rapid transmission of an illness. 
  • Widespread body aches and fatigue: Feeling overwhelmingly tired and achy often means your body is actively fighting off an illness.
  • Known contagious illnesses: If you’ve been diagnosed with something like the flu, COVID-19, or norovirus, staying home is essential to prevent further spread.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. It’s always better to take a day to recover and prevent potential spread than to try and push through and risk making things worse for yourself and others.

 

Working from Home

The rise of remote work has blurred the lines when it comes to sick days. The temptation to “work from home sick” is understandable. You might feel you can still contribute while resting intermittently, thus minimizing any disruptions at your workplace.

While remote work can offer flexibility, being unwell still impacts your ability to perform effectively. Ask yourself:

  • Can I truly focus and concentrate? If your symptoms are significantly impacting your cognitive function, you won’t be able to do your best work.
  • Am I still contagious? Even if you’re not physically in the office, you might still be contagious to household members. Pushing yourself could prolong your illness and potentially expose others.
  • Am I truly resting and recovering? Trying to work while sick can prevent your body from fully recovering, potentially extending the duration of your illness.

There might be instances where you feel well enough to handle a few essential tasks remotely. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between lightly engaging when you’re on the mend and trying to maintain a full workload while genuinely ill. Often, the best course of action, even when working remotely, is to take the time you need to fully recover. This allows you to return to work feeling refreshed and able to contribute effectively in the long run.

Learn more from the Uncas Health District.

The Importance of Getting Vaccinated Against Whooping Cough

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Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that has seen an alarming resurgence recently. Cases of this disease in the United States have risen dramatically; tragically, two infants in Louisiana have died of the disease this year.

This is a stark reminder that even diseases widely regarded as under control can rebound, posing a significant public health threat in our communities — especially to the youngest and most vulnerable. Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, so receiving an immunization is the best way to prevent further spread.

 

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The illness typically starts with mild, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. After one to two weeks, the most serious symptom emerges: severe, rapid coughing fits that produce a high-pitched “whoop” sound as the person struggles to breathe. 

This disease is particularly dangerous to infants and young children. Since their airways are smaller, coughing fits can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, apnea (dangerous pauses in breathing), seizures, and even brain damage or death.

Whooping caught can persist for several weeks or even months, earning it the nickname “the 100-day cough.” Even when the intense coughing subsides, individuals can remain contagious for several weeks and potentially spread the disease to others.

 

The Importance of Vaccination

To protect against whooping cough, it is recommended that children receive either a DTaP or Tdap immunization. These are combination vaccines that also provide protection against diphtheria and tetanus. By exposing the body to harmless components of the pertussis bacteria, the vaccine helps the body develop antibodies to recognize and fight the bacteria if someone is exposed to it.

DTaP vaccines are given to children under the age of seven. They are administered as a series of four doses, starting at two months old and lasting until 15-18 months old. A booster dose is given between the age of four and six. 

 

Booster Shots

The effectiveness of childhood DTaP vaccines wanes over time, though they still guard against serious illness caused by whooping cough. Tdap is a vaccine given to older children and adults who have not previously been vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that adults receive a Tdap dose if they have not been vaccinated against whooping cough, and that they get a booster every 10 years.

Booster shots are also recommended for adults who will be in close contact with infants, who are more vulnerable to whooping cough. Pregnant women are strongly advised to receive a dose of Tdap during their pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, to pass protective antibodies on to their newborns.

Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are up-to-date on your whooping cough vaccinations.

Learn more about the Uncas Health District’s immunization work here.

Uncas Health District in Your Community: Teen Outreach Program

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During National Public Health Week, we’re looking at some of the ways Uncas Health District works in the community — including how we invest in the future. Through a collaboration with Norwich Public Schools, the ASPIRE After School Program, and the Connecticut Department of Social Services, we work to bring the nationally recognized Teen Outreach Program (TOP) to local youth.

 

A Legacy of Positive Development

TOP was first developed in 1978 by Brenda Hostetler, a St. Louis school administrator. Originally, the program had a singular focus of preventing teen pregnancy. While that remains an important part of its purpose, TOP has since grown to offer a comprehensive way to support healthy, positive youth development. Reaching over 15,000 young people across 17 states, this program has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in nurturing the next generation.

 

Building Strong Foundations

TOP isn’t just another after-school activity. It’s a nine-month journey that equips teens aged 12-17 with the skills and support they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. The program focuses on:

  • Self-Awareness and Coping Skills: Helping teens handle peer pressure and make informed decisions.
  • Responsibility and Accountability: Encouraging teens to take ownership of their choices.
  • Healthy Behaviors: Exploring values, setting goals, and developing essential life skills and healthy relationships.
  • Safe Spaces: Providing a supportive environment for open discussions on challenging issues.

A cornerstone of TOP is its emphasis on learning through community service. By engaging in meaningful volunteer work, teens not only contribute to their communities but also develop a strong sense of social responsibility, cultivate empathy and compassion, gain valuable practical skills and experience, and boost their self-esteem and sense of purpose.

 

A Holistic Approach to Teen Well-Being

TOP’s curriculum-based learning covers critical topics, including reproductive health and sexuality, decision-making and problem-solving, communication and relationship skills, goal setting and life skills, and personal health and wellness.

Through facilitated group discussions, teens share their experiences, learn from each other, and build supportive relationships.

 

Making a Lasting Impact

Research has shown that TOP is associated with significantly reduced rates of teen pregnancy, decreased involvement in risky behaviors, improved academic performance, and enhanced social and emotional well-being.

By addressing the social determinants of health and providing skills that last a lifetime, TOP empowers teens to make positive choices and thrive.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Teen Outreach Program, please reach out to the Uncas Health District. Together, we can empower the next generation to reach their full potential.

Uncas Health District in Your Community: Cancer Detection and Prevention

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During National Public Health Week, we’re highlighting some of the important work Uncas Health District does in our community. One of our key services is providing free, potentially life-saving screenings for individuals who might have trouble accessing these crucial medical services.

Cancer is a serious health concern, and one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Early detection is key in the fight against this serious illness, and we’re proud to partner with the state to make these screenings available.

 

The Power of Early Detection

Cancer can develop slowly, which is why regular medical check-ups are important for identifying their symptoms. Primary care physicians routinely order screenings for their patients in order to identify potential signs of cancer and track changes in the body over time.

If cancer is detected too late, there is a greater chance that it will have metastasized, or spread to other parts of the body. When this occurs, there is a much greater risk of serious illness or death.

Early screening allows cancer to be treated before it can progress. This not only means that the survival rate is improved, but also that it can be addressed with less invasive methods that improve one’s quality of life during treatment and recovery.

Unfortunately, people may not think that these screenings are accessible to them. This is most likely to occur when someone is uninsured or underinsured, or when they have a lower income and do not believe they can afford medical services.

 

Making Screenings More Accessible

Uncas Health District is a proud participant in the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. This program offers free screening, diagnostic, and treatment referral services to medically underserved women. 

By setting up an appointment with the Uncas Health District, qualifying women can receive clinical breast exams, Pap smears, and mammograms at no cost. The services are available to qualifying women, including those living at or below 250% of poverty level or those who lack the necessary insurance to cover these screenings. Learn more about eligibility criteria here, and contact the Uncas Health District to schedule a screening.

The Uncas Health District also participates in the Connecticut Colorectal Cancer Control Program. This program aims to reduce disparities in colorectal cancer by providing free diagnostic services to identify signs that someone might have this cancer. The program is open to qualifying individuals 45 and older, including those with positive results from other colorectal cancer screenings.

 

Screening for Heart Disease

In our work with the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, the Uncas Health District also helps identify potential heart disease risk factors. Women in this program can enroll in WISEWOMAN, which provides heart disease screenings for participants between the ages of 35 and 64.

A mammogram not only allows for the detection of potentially cancerous tissue in the breast, but also the presence of breast arterial calcification during mammograms. While this is typically not related to breast cancer, it can be a sign of cardiovascular disease. When breast arterial calcification is detected, it allows for early intervention against heart disease.

 

Take Control of Your Health

Don’t wait. Early detection can save lives. 

If you qualify for any of these programs, please reach out to the Uncas Health District today. Your health is our priority.

Uncas Health District in Your Community: Licensing

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We recently explained how Uncas Health District (UHD) works to improve food safety in our region. Today, we’re looking at similar activities that cover a wide range of businesses outside of food establishments. 

UHD issues licenses for businesses that have a greater risk of potentially spreading diseases, and so must abide by certain public health regulations. We also inspect these venues regularly to ensure that these venues are safe, and that any businesses that violate these rules are held to account. 

This not only helps to maintain public health and prevent environmental contamination, but also strengthens residents’ trust in their local businesses. By collecting and analyzing data as part of this work, UHD can also identify certain public health trends or risks and proactively develop strategies to address them.

When we register or inspect a business, we are always looking to see that they are maintaining the proper procedures for hygiene, sanitation, and safety. Here’s a look at some of the places we work with, and the unique health considerations for each one.

  • Campgrounds: As temporary living spaces, campgrounds require careful management of water and sewage facilities. Licensing ensures safe water sources, adequate sewage disposal (from both on-site bathrooms and RVs), and the safety of amenities like pools and splash pads.
  • Construction and Septic: We ensure that new or updated septic systems meet all requirements, and that new construction will not overload these systems or prevent access to them. We also help to ensure that demolition projects avoid the release of environmental contaminants like asbestos. 
  • Daycares: Any parent knows that illnesses can spread quickly in a daycare facility. We work to make sure these are safe environments for our youngest residents and that they have proper facilities for washing hands, changing diapers, and other essentials. 
  • Food Service: Our work with food safety establishments helps guarantee that the meals they provide are safely handled and prepared. See our previous blog for more information.
  • Group Homes: When we visit nursing homes and other congregate living facilities, we want to make sure the quality care is top notch. This includes proper medication handling, prevention of abuse or neglect, and adequate staff training.
  • Public Pools: Our inspections of public pools measure disinfectant and bacteria levels to make sure they are safe. We also look to maintain safety standards to minimize the risk of serious accidents at these facilities. 
  • Salons: These facilities need to take care to properly sanitize the equipment used on customers, and to safely handle chemicals and hazardous materials. Our inspectors make sure these protocols are followed.
  • Tattoo Facilities: Due to the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission, we ensure that these businesses properly sterilize and disinfect their equipment. We also make sure they are following best practices when it comes to training staff and providing information to customers.

UHD’s work is a vital part of our community. During National Public Health Week, we want to highlight the dedication and effort that goes into ensuring our safety and well-being. From the licenses displayed on walls to the unseen inspections and data analysis, we are committed to protecting our community every day.

Uncas Health District Response to Recent Public Health Funding Cuts

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While the Uncas Health District (UHD) is impacted by the decision to immediately stop work on essential programs that were contractually obligated by the federal government, the staff of UHD continues to provide our communities with the highest level of professional service possible.

This document details the recent cuts to state and local public health in Connecticut and how these impact immunization efforts, programs to address health disparities, and other important services.

We hope that the decision-makers at the federal and state levels will continue to recognize our work and provide the resources needed to protect and serve our residents.

On behalf of all of us at UHD, we thank you for your support.

 

Read more from the Uncas Health District

How Checking Your Vaccination Status Helps Prevent the Spread of Measles

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With measles cases rising across the United States, the Connecticut Department of Public Health recently encouraged all Connecticut residents to verify their vaccination status. By doing so, people can ensure that their protection against measles is adequate and take steps to update their vaccination if needed.

As of March 20th, 2025, there were 378 confirmed cases of measles across 18 jurisdictions in the United States. These cases have led to one confirmed death and one death under investigation, and have overwhelmingly affected people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

No cases have emerged in Connecticut, and the state’s strong vaccination rate is a good step toward herd immunity. This occurs when at least 95 percent of a community has been vaccinated against a disease, helping to stop its spread and protecting those in the community who are unable to receive the vaccine.

Here’s how you can check your vaccination status and see if you may need to take action to help strengthen the health of the community.

 

How a Vaccination Status Check Works

To check your vaccination status, you need to look up your medical records to confirm that you received a measles vaccine. The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides an immunization portal to safely and securely check your vaccine status or that of your child. This system began collecting records for children in 1998 and adults in 2022.

You can also check with your doctor’s office to see if they have immunization records on file. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says adults can potentially find this information from childhood records, school health departments, or past employers.

Since it can sometimes be challenging to find these records, a doctor can also order a blood test to determine your immunity to measles. The measles titer test measures the level of measles antibodies in your blood to determine if you have sufficient protection. 

 

When You Might Need to Update Your Measles Vaccine

The measles vaccine was first licensed in the United States in 1963. Since 1971, it has been available as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine to provide protection against additional diseases.

Your protection against measles is significantly dependent on your age:

  • People born before 1957: These individuals are generally considered immune to measles due to widespread exposure to the disease during this time.
  • People born between 1958 to 1962: These individuals were born shortly before the measles vaccine became available. This creates some uncertainty over whether they contracted measles or received a measles vaccine, so it is recommended that they confirm their immunity.
  • People born between 1963 and 1967: Some people born during this period received a killed or inactivated measles vaccine, which was later found to be less effective against the disease. These individuals should receive at least one dose of the live attenuated MMR vaccine.
  • People born between 1968 and 1989: During this period, those who got the MMR vaccine received one dose. Beginning in 1989, a two-dose regimen was recommended after research showed that some people did not develop full immunity from a single dose. If you were born during this time, it is recommended that you get a blood test to see if you need to receive a second dose.
  • People born after 1989: People vaccinated during this period fall within the current recommendation of receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine for optimal protection.

If you are unsure of your vaccination history, it is recommended that you get one dose of the MMR vaccine. 

 

Who Can (and Cannot) Get the Measles Vaccine

All children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose is typically given between 12 and 15 months of age, while the second dose is given between ages 4 and 6. The vaccine is also recommended for infants between the ages of 6 and 11 months who are traveling internationally or to areas within the United States where there is an active measles transmission.

The vaccine can also be administered to adults who are unvaccinated or who show evidence of inadequate immunity. People who may be at higher risk of contracting measles, such as health care workers or international travelers, should ensure that they have been vaccinated and have strong immunity.

Your doctor may recommend that you not get the MMR vaccine if there is a concern that it might cause health complications. The vaccine is typically not recommended for:

  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to gelatin or neomycin, which are components of the vaccine
  • Individuals who have weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments (e.g., cancer, HIV, or high doses of corticosteroids)
  • People with active tuberculosis

Protecting our community from measles requires collective effort. By checking your vaccination status and ensuring you are fully immunized, you can help prevent the spread of this preventable disease.

For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Meet the Uncas Health District Medical Reserve Corps

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The Uncas Health District oversees several programs to promote public health in Eastern Connecticut, one of which relies on the dedication of volunteers to provide assistance during emergencies. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is part of a national network of people working to strengthen local readiness and reduce potential vulnerabilities during such incidents.

Here’s a look at how the MRC under the Uncas Health District has made a difference:

 

Who Makes Up the MRC?

The Medical Reserve Corps consists of both medical professionals and non-medical support staff. The MRC administered by the Uncas Health District serves the towns of Bozrah, Griswold, Franklin, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown.

This is one of four MRCs in Eastern Connecticut. Additional regions are served through the Eastern Highlands Health District, Ledge Light Health District, and Northeast District Department of Health.

 

What Does the MRC Do?

The Medical Reserve Corps is divided into teams to provide prompt assistance in the event of a natural disaster or other serious incidents. These teams specialize in dispensing supplies, providing medical aid, supporting operations virtually, and sharing information through local cable access television.

Volunteers receive free training through CT-Train, and participate in exercises, drills, and courses to develop and practice their skills. These preparations help develop expertise in topics like psychological first aid, CPR and first aid, Stop the Bleed and Until Help Arrives lifesaving skills, personal emergency preparedness, bloodborne pathogens, and FEMA incident management practices.

The Uncas MRC participates in numerous events throughout the year, including flu clinics, health expos, recruitment fairs, and more to raise awareness of its work and share information on emergency preparedness. It has also filmed a local public access television talk show called Public Health Matters, cross-trained with the Montville chapter of the American Red Cross on emergency sheltering, and assisted with public health measures such as at-home COVID vaccinations, food drives, and blood pressure clinics.

 

MRC Statistics

The Uncas MRC was established in February 2007 and currently includes 70 volunteers — 53 with medical expertise and 17 non-medical supporters.

During one typical five-year period, the Uncas MRC responded to 57 incidents or events. It contributed 460.25 volunteer hours with a total economic value of $17,619.

The team was particularly busy during COVID-19. A total of 45 MRC activations were related to the pandemic.

 

Joining the MRC

The Uncas Health Districts invites new members to join the Medical Reserve Corps and help make a difference! No experience is necessary, and you can complete the initial intake form at CTResponds to get started.

For more information on the MRC, click here. You can also contact MRC coordinator Sara Darlagiannis directly at 508-207-3177 or mrc@uncashd.org with any questions.

Doing Your Part to Stop the Spread of Tuberculosis

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Tuberculosis is often regarded as a bygone disease, since its mortality rate has declined rapidly with the advent of modern sanitation practices and public health measures. Yet it’s important to remember that while there has been amazing progress in preventing and treating tuberculosis, it still affects millions of people each year and is the leading cause of death from an infectious disease.

March 24th is World Tuberculosis Day, recognizing the anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch’s discovery in 1882 of the Myobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that causes the disease. This breakthrough allowed for considerable advances in screening methods, treatments, and other ways to address the disease. National Tuberculosis Day serves to raise awareness of tuberculosis, including the ongoing challenges it creates and the opportunities for preventing and treating the illness.

 

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB). It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain (extrapulmonary TB).

Symptoms of TB may include:

  • A persistent cough (lasting three weeks or longer)
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm)
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

 

Why Tuberculosis Remains a Serious Health Issue

Despite significant advancements in detecting and treating tuberculosis, it continues to pose a serious public health issue. The disease can easily be spread when an infected person coughs, speaks, or otherwise distributes airborne water droplets. Without proper treatment, TB can lead to serious illness or death.

Other factors that can increase the risk and seriousness of TB infection include:

  • Disproportionate impact: TB is more likely to affect vulnerable populations living in poverty. Factors such as malnutrition, poor sanitation practices, overcrowded living conditions, and limited access to health care can all create environments where TB can spread rapidly.
  • Treatment challenges: TB treatment requires a long course of antibiotics, typically lasting six months or longer, and adherence to this regimen can be challenging.
  • Latent infection: Many people have latent TB infection, which means they are infected with the bacteria but do not actively show TB symptoms and are not contagious. However, latent infection can quickly develop into active disease, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
  • Drug resistance: The emergence of drug-resistant forms of TB has created strains of the disease that are more difficult to treat.

 

Tuberculosis and Co-Occurring Health Conditions

Health conditions that weaken the immune system can make a person more vulnerable to tuberculosis infection. These include diabetes, kidney disease, certain cancers, and people with substance use disorders.

TB is a leading cause of death among people who are HIV positive. HIV and TB form a dangerous synergy, with HIV weakening the immune system and making individuals more susceptible to TB infection and the progression of the disease.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of tuberculosis and ensure successful outcomes. 

Diagnosis typically involves a three-step procedure:

  • A tuberculin skin test (TST) or blood test (IGRA), which determines if someone is infected with TB bacteria
  • Chest X-rays, which are conducted if the skin or blood tests are positive to look for signs of TB disease in the lungs.
  • Sputum tests, which are done if the chest X-ray suggests TB disease to confirm the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Treatment for TB involves a course of antibiotics, typically lasting six to nine months. Completing the entire course of medication is essential to prevent drug resistance, and directly observed therapy (DOT) may be used to ensure medication adherence.

 

What You Can Do

  • If you experience any tuberculosis symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection is a crucial factor in stopping the spread of the disease.
  • If you have been in close contact with someone who has TB, get tested.
  • Practice good respiratory hygiene, such as the “vampire technique” of covering your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.

Read more from the Uncas Health District