World Tuberculosis Day brings awareness to global impact

CALGARY - World Tuberculosis Day is March 24, marking the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Alberta Health Services (AHS) is bringing awareness to this day, as health care professionals can prevent and cure TB.

TB is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through droplets in the air. The disease commonly affects the lungs, but can also affect the kidneys, brain or spine.

Symptoms of TB include a bad cough, chest pain, weakness or tiredness, weight loss, a lack of appetite, chills, fever and night sweats.

TB is preventable and can be cured by treatment with antibiotics. In 2022, there were approximately 250 active cases of TB in Alberta, according to AHS TB Services.

You are at higher risk of getting TB if you:

• Have been around people known or suspected to have TB.
• Have had TB in the past but did not complete treatment as prescribed.
• Live or work in a community with high rates of TB.
• Visit and stay in countries with high rates of TB.
• Have a weakened immune system.

If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with TB, call your health care provider or Health Link at 811.

For more information on TB or services in Alberta, contact your health care provider or go to your local AHS Public Health Office or AHS Community Health Centre.

To commemorate this day, the Calgary Tower will be lit in red and white on March 24th.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.