Tuberculosis rate is rising in Georgia county

Health officials in Gwinnitt County, Georgia have reported that t he number of tuberculosis cases is on the rise. The county now has the second highest rate of TB cases in state, following Fulton County said the county health department.

In 2007, there were 55 active cases of TB reported in Gwinnett. The increase, according to health officials, is probably because of the county's large immigrant population. People who enter the country legally are tested for contagious diseases such as TB, but there is no way to check those who come here illegally. They are not detected until they present symptoms

Health officials believe the county’s East Metro Health District’s Preventive Health Clinic is adequate to combat the disease. The clinic is a special center that focuses on the treatment of TB infection and disease. It serves residents of the East Metro Health District, which includes Gwinnett, Rockdale and Newton counties.

As a safeguard to employees, the entire clinic contains negative pressure, which helps prevent the spread of TB, Goins said.