47 test positive for tuberculosis infection in Perry County

MARION, Ala. — According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, 47 of 798 tested positive for tuberculosis infection in Perry County following three days of testing. Those who tested positive for TB will receive further testing and treatment, according to ADPH officials.

ADPH representatives said that the TB infection is different from the actual disease. Diagnosis of the disease is done via chest X-ray.

Representatives from the ADPH will be on site at a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Berean Baptist Church in Marion to answer questions and update residents on the outbreak. Officials will also discuss the TB screening program underway.

The symptoms of TB include cough lasting more than two weeks, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue, however, a person infected with TB may not exhibit any symptoms initially.

The Perry County Health Department is offering monetary incentives to those who take part in the screening program. $20 is offered to anyone who comes in to be screened for TB via a blood test.

If that individual returns in three days to receive the results of that test, they will be given another $20.

Should a chest X-ray be recommended to that individual, another $20 will be offered.

Those recommended to complete a course of medication for treatment will be compensated $100.

All services at the Perry County Health Department are offered free of charge and no appointment is necessary.