The Osage Nation Health System is alerting Pawhuska and Osage County residents about the increasing concerns regarding tuberculosis (TB), especially given the record-high cases currently being reported in neighboring Kansas. As Osage County borders Kansas, ONHS urges the community to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of this infectious disease.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily targets the lungs but can also affect other areas of the body. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings, releasing TB bacteria into the environment. Individuals who inhale these bacteria can become infected.
There are two forms of TB:
- Latent TB (Inactive TB): The bacteria are present in the body but do not cause symptoms or spread to others. Without treatment, latent TB can develop into active TB.
- Active TB Disease: The bacteria become active, leading to symptoms and the ability to spread to others.
Symptoms of Active TB Disease
ONHS advises the community to watch for the following symptoms:
- Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever, chills, and night sweats
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can contract TB, but certain groups face higher risks, including:
- Individuals with prolonged close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB
- Those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes, HIV, or cancer
- Residents or workers in group settings such as nursing homes, correctional facilities, or homeless shelters
- Healthcare professionals who may be exposed to TB in medical settings
- People who have traveled to areas where TB is more prevalent
Protecting Yourself and Your Community
The best way to prevent TB is through early detection and treatment. ONHS strongly encourages those at higher risk to get tested. A positive test result will require additional screening, such as a chest X-ray, to determine if TB is active or inactive.
Treatment Options
Both latent and active TB are treatable with prescribed medication. Treating latent TB reduces the risk of developing active TB, while completing a full course of antibiotics is essential for those diagnosed with active TB to prevent further spread.
Osage Nation Health System is Here to Help
The Osage Nation Health System remains committed to the health and safety of Pawhuska and Osage County residents. If you believe you may be at risk for TB or require testing, please contact your healthcare provider or ONHS for guidance.
For more information or to schedule a TB test, contact: Osage Nation Health System (918) 287-9300, Osagehealth.org. Visit: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html and https://abcnews.go.com/Health/kansas-faces-largest-tuberculosis-outbreak-us-history-health/story?id=118174420.
By staying informed and proactive, we can work together to reduce the spread of TB and safeguard our community’s health.
