The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County recognizes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24th. World TB Day, which commemorates the discovery of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis TB is an annual observance designed to build awareness and educate the public about the impact of TB around the world. This year’s theme is “It’s Time….for A World without TB”. We can make history.
In observance of World TB Day, DOH-Miami-Dade is hosting several events:
Tuesday, March 19th – HAC Outreach Event
Time: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Location: HAC Chapman Partnership Shelter
1550 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136
Thursday, March 21st – Jackson Memorial Hospital Tabling Outreach Event
Time: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Jackson Courtyard “Alamo Park”
1611 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33136
Friday, March 22nd – 10th Annual World TB Day Conference
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Camillus House, Bank of America Community Room
1603 NW 7th Ave, 3rd Floor, Miami, FL 33136
Tuberculosis is one of the world’s deadliest diseases and it is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually attacks the lungs, but can attack any part of the body, including the kidney, spine and brain. Latent TB can live within the body without making you sick. People with latent TB do not have symptoms, are not infectious and cannot make others sick.
TB is spread through the air and symptoms of the disease include:
•A bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer;
•Pain in the chest;
•Coughing up blood or sputum; and
•Weakness or fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, chills, fever and sweating at night.
DOH-Miami-Dade Tuberculosis Control & Prevention Program has made significant strides towards its goal to eliminate TB in the county. Cases of TB in Miami-Dade County for the past 10 years have gone down by 20.5 percent from reporting 156 cases in 2009 to 124 in 2018.
The department has implemented strategies, improved testing, provided incentives & enablers, and treatment technologies, making it easier for clients to successfully complete therapy.
To explore resources relating to TB and learn more, visit the department’s website. For additional information about World TB Day 2019, visit the CDC’s World TB Day page.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
