News Release                   For Immediate Release

March 12, 2004

March 24^th is World TB Day

World TB Day, held on March 24 each year, is an occasion for people around the world to raise awareness about the international health threat presented by tuberculosis (TB).

• Tuberculosis is still here in Grey & Bruce.  In 2003, there were three active TB cases that required treatment and close follow-up.  There were over 30 investigations for tuberculosis in our local area.
• Worldwide two million people die each year.
• It is estimated that one-third of the people in the world are infected with TB.
• Worldwide there are eight million new cases of tuberculosis.
• TB is the leading cause of death from an infectious disease.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs.
• The Bill & Melinda Gates foundation (Microsoft) has donated $82.9 million dollars to support research to prevent tuberculosis.

TB is preventable, treatable and curable.

For more information:

Karen Sweiger, RN, BScN

Public Health Nurse

Tuberculosis Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420