Tuberculosis is not a disease of the past it still claims lives every year

WHO: Arkansas Department of Health

WHAT: World TB Day Press Conference

WHEN: March 23, 10 a.m.

WHERE: 4815 W. Markham, 5^th Floor Media Briefing Room

WHY: Many people think that tuberculosis (TB) is not the serious disease that we once associated with sanatoriums and many deaths.  And while that is true, in Arkansas, we usually lose more citizens to TB each year than we do to complications from the flu.  In 2011, 13 of the 85 people diagnosed with TB in Arkansas died.  This is particularly distressing because if diagnosed and properly treated the lives of those infected can be saved and the spread of the disease to others can be prevented.  We cannot allow the success we have experienced make us complacent.  World TB Day reminds us that it is important to stay vigilant and continue to work to eliminate TB in this country.