FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Pam Barrett
(334) 467-8208
[email protected]
In the past two years, multiple cases of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) have been reported to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) in Dothan. During that course of time, ADPH has screened several hundred individuals for TB. A common denominator that has been discovered among these cases is frequent nightclub activity.
Numerous attempts have been made to reach out to the affected clubs for assistance in combating this public health threat, with very little success. TB is a contagious airborne disease, but it can be treated and prevented. The TB bacteria are spread through the air from one person to another typically when the sick person coughs, sings, sneezes, laughs or speaks. Persons who were in close contact with these contagious individuals may have been exposed.
“Our concern is that many more people are infected and do not realize it,” Pam Barrett, director of the ADPH TB Control Division, said. “ADPH is again hosting a free TB testing event for this target population. We strongly encourage anyone who has frequented any of the following venues over the past year to follow up for a TB test. The specific clubs are The Blue Bar, Chill Lounge, Club Escape, The G-spot and Imani Loungebar.”
The free TB testing event is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Houston County Health Department Conference Center. The clinic is located at 1781 E. Cottonwood Road, Dothan. The first 300 participants will receive a $20 Wal-Mart gift card.
For additional information, contact Pam Barrett at (334) 467-8208.