The Arkansas Department of Health announced today that it will be implementing an improved test to diagnose tuberculosis and an updated drug treatment regimen for TB patients.
The announcement came before World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, and the decision to adopt the blood test rather than continue to use the skin test was based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Tuberculosis is not a disease of the past," Dr. Paul Halverson, state health officer and ADH director, said. "Unfortunately, it is still one of the world's deadliest diseases.The reality is that TB is still a prevalent disease, and it is one we must pay attention to."
The new testing and treatment regimen will go into effect July 1, according to Dr. Naveen Patil, ADH medical director of the TB/HIV/STD division.
Thirteen of the 85 people diagnosed with TB in Arkansas last year died, according to the ADH.
Patil recommended the testing of high-risk populations, such as foreign-born populations, people infected with HIV and others who have weakened immune systems, to prevent the spread of TB.
TB is the leading cause of death for people infected with HIV, according to the ADH.
"We are very excited to offer both better diagnostics and treatment to people here in Arkansas," Patil said.