World Tuberculosis Day 2023

The Norwalk Health Department raises awareness on the importance of testing and treatment of tuberculosis on World TB Day. Video Script: Tuberculosis or TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and is spread person to person through the air. There are two types of TB-related conditions. The first is latent or inactive TB. A person with a latent TB infection does not feel ill and cannot spread TB to others. However, without proper treatment, latent TB can develop into active TB disease, the second type of TB condition. Active TB disease can spread to others through the air when an infected person laughs, sings, coughs, or speaks. Active TB symptoms may include some or all of the following symptoms persistent cough, fever, chest pain, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss and can be fatal if left untreated. In honor of World TB Day on March 24th, the Norwalk Health Department wants to help raise awareness of the impact of tuberculosis in hopes of getting people tested and treated. Targeted testing for and treatment of latent TB infection is the best way to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) infection. We work closely with the CT Department of Public Health and local health care providers to prevent and control TB. We monitor for disease in the community, offer skin testing to screen for TB, work with patients to ensure they complete their treatment, and identify people who have been exposed to an active TB case so they can quickly access testing and treatment. If you, or someone you know, may be at-risk for TB, call the Norwalk Health Department for an appointment. Together we can help put an end to TB in Norwalk and beyond. For more information, visit www.norwalkhealth.com.