World Tuberculosis (TB) Day - March 24

A personal story from Nicole, a resident of Buncombe County, about her journey from TB symptom onset, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Nicole was treated by Buncombe County Health and Human Services nurse, Karen Robinson.

Each year, we recognize World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24. This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB). 

TB is a bacterial infection that settles in the lungs and can move through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and even the brain. TB is spread from person to person through the air when someone who has TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks or sings. In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria and keep it from growing, so they don’t become sick and can’t spread the infection to others. This is called latent TB infection. However, in other people, especially those with weak immune systems, the TB bacteria are able to grow and make them sick. This is called active TB disease. People with latent TB infection may develop active TB disease in the future if they do not receive treatment for their infection and their immune system becomes weak. 

Through effective Public Health TB control programs, TB has been on the decline since the late 1990s. However, the CDC reports that there may be as many as 13 million people in the US living with latent TB who are at risk of developing active TB infection at some point in their lives. Without treatment, on average 1 in 10 people with latent TB will get sick with TB in the future. The risk is higher for people with HIV, diabetes, or other immunocompromising health conditions. Getting tested and seeking treatment are important ways to prevent long-term consequences and spreading the infection to friends, family, and community. Here is a list of symptoms that are common with active TB disease: 

• a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer 
• pain in the chest 
• coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs) 
• weakness or fatigue 
• weight loss 
• no appetite 
• chills 
• fever 
• sweating at night 

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have had a known exposure to someone diagnosed with TB, get tested. Buncombe County Clinical Services offers TB testing every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday by appointment or during walk-in hours Monday and Friday from 8-11:30 AM and Tuesday from 1-4:30 PM. Our clinic is conveniently located at 40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville, right across from the post office and the bus station. To make an appointment, call (828) 250-5096. For more information, visit our website.