A confirmed tuberculosis (TB) case in North Alabama has the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) asking poultry workers in the area to receive TB screening.
On Monday, ADPH announced that seven confirmed or suspected TB cases were identified in individuals who have worked in one or more poultry plants in Northern Alabama from June 2022 through July 2023.
Because of the cases, ADPH is offering TB screening for people who are working or who have worked in the poultry industry in Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence or Lauderdale Counties.
TB is a type of bacteria that usually spreads from one infected person's lungs to another's through activities such as talking or coughing. TB is not transmitted in food. Infected people with TB can be very sick or have no symptoms. TB is treated using antibiotics and is almost always cured. People infected with TB can also be offered preventive treatment.
Eligible individuals who receive testing can receive a $20 gift card.
Screening is done via a blood test and will be available on the following days and locations from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
· Lauderdale County Health Department: Monday, August 7, and Wednesday, August 9,
· Colbert County Health Department, Thursday, August 10.
· Lawrence County Health Department, Monday, August 14.
· Franklin County Health Department, Thursday, August 17.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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