Tuberculosis is responsible for more deaths than any other infectious disease worldwide, according to the American Society for Microbiology.
With 66 cases reported in 2016, Bexar County ranks fourth highest for the most TB cases in Texas, behind Harris, Dallas and Hidalgo counties. Statewide, 1,250 cases were reported the same year.
Similar to pneumonia, tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria spread through the air, primarily affecting lung tissues.
What is the difference between latent and active TB? How can you spot warning signs and what local resources are available for diagnosis and treatment?
Can San Antonio-based research help lower the prevalence and spread of TB?
For more information on local resources for TB, call the Metro Health Tuberculosis Clinicat (210) 207-8823.
Guests:
- Larry Schlesinger, M.D, president/CEO of Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Tommy Camden, health program manager for the City of San Antonio Chest Clinic
- Lisa Y. Armitige, M.D., Ph.D., medical consultant at the Heartland National TB Center
- Alysia Wayne, formerly treated for tuberculosis in San Antonio
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982.
