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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, March 25, 2010 · 20 Health Oakville Beaver TB should not be forgotten as deadly epidemic By Tim Foran OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Halton Region's health department is asking residents to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of an infectious bacterial disease that remains an epidemic in much of the world and still results in cases each year in Halton -- tuberculosis. Yesterday was world TB Day. The airborne disease causes the deaths of several million people in the world annually and it hasn't been wiped out entirely in Halton. "In 2008, in Halton Region, there were eight reported cases of tuberculosis (TB) compared to the seven that were reported on average in the previous five year period," states the 2008 Infectious Disease Report, released by Halton Region's health department last fall. "The 10-year trend in incidence of tuberculosis shows a decline in rates at the provincial level and a smaller decline in rates for Halton, (though) Halton rates for tuberculosis remain below provincial rates. Halton Region experienced a peak in tuberculosis incidence with 12 reported cases in the year 2000." TB is spread by a person with the disease through coughing, talking or sneezing, which Transmission usually requires close, frequent, and lengthy exposure to a person with TB disease. According to the Region, those at greatest risk for developing TB disease include: · close contacts of a person with TB disease · people from a country with high rates of TB, · healthcare providers · inmates and staff at Dr. Bob Nosal correctional facilities · persons working or cause the bacteria to be residing in homeless shelspread into the air where ters · persons with weakthey are then inhaled by ened immune systems others. · persons with HIV/AIDS However, most healthy people who are exposed to Acorn Family Health and Wellness the TB bacteria don't get the disease, notes Halton's Helping Families Every Step of the Way! website (www.halton.ca, search TB). Specializes in: "The TB bacteria stay · Fertility Issues · Pediatrics dormant (asleep) and do · Low Back/Neck Pain · Pre and Postnatal Care not grow," the website · Naturally Turning Breech Babies · Sciatica points out. "This is called · Posture and Osteoarthritis TB infection." · Headaches/Migraines People with TB infecWellness care for the entire family! tion don't look or feel sick and can't spread TB to 245 Wyecroft Road, Unit 2, Oakville, ON other people, but have a (Prana Yoga & Wellness Studios) 10 per cent risk of developing the TB disease in Dr. Jenna Davis Family Chiropractor/Acupuncturist their lifetime. "TB disease is when 905.334.0975 www.acornhealth.ca the TB bacteria become active, can cause symptoms and damage in the body, and can be spread to others," stated Dr. Bob Nosal, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. Early diagnosis is important in the control of tuberculosis, states the Region. People with TB infection may benefit from medication to prevent TB disease from developing while those already with TB disease must complete treatment to cure the disease. The TB bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, brain and spine. Symptoms of TB disease may include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, chills, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. For more information about TB, contact Halton Region's health department by dialing 311 or call toll free 1866-442-5866, TTY 905827-9833 or visit www.halton.ca/health and search TB.