March 24, 2008

TB CASES IN 2007
LOWEST RATE EVER REPORTED IN COUNTY

In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day, March 24th, the Nassau County Department of Health has announced that the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Nassau County last year is the lowest number ever reported in the County. In 2007, there were 44 confirmed cases of TB in Nassau County or a rate of 3.4 cases per 100,000 people. In 2006, there were 52 confirmed cases, or a rate of 4.0 cases per 100,000 people. In the past decade, the rate decreased 49% from 1998, which had 90 confirmed cases or a rate of 6.7 cases per 100,000 people.

TB remains a significant problem in Nassau County and is disproportionally high in the foreign born, in people living in poverty, and in minority populations. In 2007, 79% of the 44 cases were foreign born; 34% of the cases were residents of the identified poverty communities (although only 13% of the population resides in these areas); and 84% were in minority populations.

To eliminate TB, Nassau County has programs to provide education and testing for tuberculosis for the groups at greatest risk. The testing identifies people with latent TB infection and they can receive treatment to prevent the development of active TB disease.

In Nassau County, the Health Department provides a Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) program for patients with tuberculosis. This program ensures that patients take the proper medication at correct times by having Health Department Community Outreach Workers directly observe the patients taking medication. DOT reduces the spread of TB and protects the health of the county residents

The World Health Organization estimates that one-third of the world's population is infected with tuberculosis without having any active tuberculosis disease. Currently, worldwide, there are approximately 8,000,000 people diagnosed with tuberculosis disease and 2,000,000 die from tuberculosis annually.  Only 50% ever receive any treatment.

        Active TB Cases in Nassau County:

                    1998 –  90       2000 – 70        2002 – 65        2004 – 57        2006 – 52    

                    1999 -- 74        2001 – 95        2003 – 56        2005 – 53        2007 - 44                                                                                                    

For additional information about TB, call the Nassau County Department of Health weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. at (516)  227-9664.