Tuberculosis 

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that is spread from person to person through the air. The germs are put into the air when a person with TB of the lungs coughs, sneezes, laughs, or speaks. TB usually affects the lungs but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain or the spine.

About 8 million new cases occur each year in the world; over 16,000 cases are reported each year in the United States. There are also an estimated 10 to 15 million people in the U.S. who are infected with the TB germ, with potential to develop TB disease in the future.

Anyone can get TB, but some people are at higher risk.
Those at higher risk include:

• People who share the same breathing space (such as family members, friends and coworkers) with someone who has TB disease in their lungs
• People born in countries where a lot of people have TB
• Nursing home residents
• Persons in jails
• Alcoholics and intravenous drug users
• People with medical conditions such as diabetes, certain types of cancers, and being underweight
• People with HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) or other conditions that weaken the immune system

General symptoms may include:

• feeling weak or sick 
• weight loss 
• fever and/or sweats

Symptoms of TB of the lungs may also include: • cough • chest pain • coughing up blood.

Other symptoms depend on the part of the body that is affected.

See your doctor if you think you have TB symptoms. He will probably recommend a TB skin test and maybe other tests to see if you have TB infection or disease.

 Article adapted from brochure
prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

VISITORS TO CASINO BETWEEN JAN. – MAY 05

ADVISED TO GET TB TEST

The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) advises anyone who spent significant time at the Casino Pauma, 777 Pauma Reservation Road, between Jan. 1 and May 7, 2005 to be evaluated for exposure to tuberculosis.

A patron who was at the casino during this time period was diagnosed with infectious TB, says Nancy Bowen, M.D., San Diego County Public Health Officer.

“We recommend that those who visited the casino between Jan. 1 and May 7 and were there 120 hours or more, contact their physician and request an evaluation that includes a TB skin test," she said. “The physician may also recommend additional tests if necessary.”

Casino Pauma representatives will post signs to notify patrons of possible TB exposure. The individual has been treated and no longer poses a risk to casino patrons.

Symptoms of active TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Most people who are exposed to TB do not develop the disease.

Individuals with no medical provider, or anyone who would like more information, may call the County TB Control Branch at (619) 692-8621.

MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY FROM THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO