Ocean County sees more than a dozen Tuberculosis cases a year

You don't hear much about Tuberculosis, but the Ocean County handles a number of cases every year, according to Leslie Terjesen, spokesperson for the Health Department.

"We see 10 to 20 cases a year of Tuberculosis," said Terjesen, but she noted TB is not easy to get.

"You have to be in contact with somebody who has active TB disease," said Terjesen. She explained the airborne disease is transmitted through coughing or sneezing.

"We do contact investigations if somebody has Tuberculosis disease, and we find that a lot of the people that they live with never develop symptoms. TB can live in your body, but you may never ever have symptoms," Terjesen said.

She added, "If you immune system is weakened for some reason, you may develop symptoms."

If you have been exposed to active TB, or you are traveling abroad or to areas with high Tuberculosis, Terjesen said a doctor may suggest you be tested for the bacteria.

"If your test is positive, it doesn't mean you that you have TB. But, if your test is positive, they can put you on preventive medicine to make sure that you never get TB," said Terjesen.

TB is more common in large areas with close living quarters such as prisons or nursing homes, according to Terjesen.

Terjesen noted that when somebody is on TB medication, it's called Direct Observational Therapy, and could be on it for well over a year.

" A lot of people come over from other countries and they test positive because they live in areas that have a high rate of Tuberculosis. It doesn't mean that they're going to ever get it," Terjesen said.

She explained further testing is done for other types of Tuberculosis symptoms, and even if there are none, a person would still be put on preventive medication.

"There is no reason for that person to ever get TB if they have a positive test with preventive medication," said Terjesen.

The Ocean County Health Department offers TB tests for $20.00, according to Terjesen. Appointments can be made by calling 732-341-9700, extension 7604

"When somebody comes in for a TB test, they need to be available within 48 to 72 hours to come back to have their arm red," said Terjesen. She added, the size of an induration on a person's arm will indicate whether they have been exposed to TB.