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Tuberculosis Control Program

Useful Information
DHEC's Division of Tuberculosis control is responsible for protecting the citizens of South Carolina from the communicable disease tuberculosis (TB). TB is not a disease of the past: it is the second largest infectious cause of death in the world, killing about one and a half million people in 2010, despite being preventable and curable in most cases. In South Carolina, TB remains a major public health threat with an average of about 175 new cases each year. South Carolina has consistently ranked among the top 10 states nationally in the number of new cases per 100,000 people, but in 2010 SC had the 15th highest national TB case rate. TB, if left untreated, can result in a 50 percent mortality rate.

DHEC attempts to protect the citizens by case finding, treating both TB and latent TB, identifying and testing of individuals exposed to TB, and screening and testing persons who might have a high risk of getting the disease.

Tuberculosis Control ProgramFor those who are infected, the TB program helps patients take their medications correctly. Staff ensure that recommended treatment is followed (Directly Observed Treatment [DOT]), contract hospitalization for the medically indigent, provide social work services, and maintain a central case register.

DHEC also is proactive in the development of regulations to protect the public, enforcement of tuberculosis control laws, including required reporting of confirmed and suspected cases. When necessary, we direct the use of court-ordered supervised treatment and institutional quarantine.

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