In recognition of World Tuberculosis Day (March 24, 2004) the Nassau County Department of Health has announced that the number of tuberculosis (TB) cases has decreased in Nassau County last year to the lowest number ever reported in the County. In 2003, there were 56 confirmed cases, or a rate of 4.2 cases per 100,000 people. The rate is down 14% from 2002 which had 65 confirmed cases, or a rate of 4.9 cases per 100,000 people. In the past decade, the rate decreased 47% from 1994, which had 115 confirmed cases or a rate of 8.9 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 2003, 70% of the 56 cases were foreign born; 25% of the cases were residents of the identified poverty communities (although only 14% of the population resides in these areas); and 79% 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.

For additional information about TB, call the Nassau County Department of Health weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. at (516) 571-2309.