What are some communicable diseases or threats currently affecting public and community health in your area? Pulmonary tuberculosis also referred to as (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that generally affects the lungs; however TB can attack other organs in the body such as the brain, spine, and kidney. Tb can most often be treated however, if it is not properly treated, the disease can result in fatality. It is an airborne disease commonly but can also spread via person to person contracted in hospitals, nursing homes, daycares and other health care facilities. The bacteria within tuberculosis are spread with in the air when the person infected with TB sneezes, coughs, sings, or speaks. Individuals that are close to those infected may become infected after breathing in this bacterium. (C.D.C. 2014)
What are some procedures used in public health to eliminate the threat to society? When advising patients of the most effective way to avoid transmission of Tuberculosis is the use of proper hand washing techniques. Covering, using your upper forearm or using tissues when coughing or sneezing will eliminate transmission from person to person. If there is any symptoms that are felt have the proper test run so that the disease can be caught and treated early. (W.H.O. 2014)
