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World TB Day is March 24, 2006!
Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily an illness of the respiratory
system, and is spread by coughing and sneezing. Each year about 2 million
people die from this curable disease.
The aim of World TB Day is to mobilize support for the fight against
TB. By mobilizing communities, raising awareness, encouraging governments
and donors to invest in TB control, and calling for strengthened commitment,
we can ensure that TB is placed prominently on the global agenda and is
eliminated by 2050.
What is TB?
The bacteria that cause TB spread through airborne droplets
when a person with the infection coughs, talks, or sneezes. In general,
you need prolonged exposure to an infected person before becoming infected
yourself. Even then, you may not develop symptoms of the disease. Although
your body harbors the TB bacteria, your immune system often can prevent
you from becoming sick. For that reason, doctors make a distinction between:
| TB infection: |
This condition causes no symptoms and isn't contagious. |
| Active TB: |
This condition makes you sick and can spread to others. |
If left untreated, active TB can be fatal. With proper
care, however, most cases of TB can be treated, even those resistant to
the drugs commonly used against the disease. Unfortunately, the world's
poor - those most likely to have TB - are also the least likely to receive
adequate medical care.
How many people are infected with TB?
Approximately 2 billion people - one-third of the human population -
are currently infected with TB, with one new infection occurring every
second. TB kills approximately 2 million people worldwide each year.
Where can I get tested and/or treated for TB?
For information about TB testing and treatment options,
please visit the Collin
County Health Care Services TB Clinic webpage.
Support the Partnership for a TB Free World
You can help the Stop
TB Partnership transform its vision of a TB-free world into reality
by making a donation to the Fund. Your support will make a real difference
to people's lives. Just $15-17 buys a full course of TB drugs for one
patient, so your donations will save lives and make a real difference.
For more information regarding how you can contribute, visit the
Support
the Partnership webpage.
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