The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed 47 people have tested positive for tuberculosis in Perry County.

Patients who have tested positive with TB infection will receive further testing and treatment, including a chest X-ray.

To date, 798 residents of Perry County have been tested for TB over the past three days. A community meeting was held Tuesday night to update people about the outbreak and screening process.

“We will continue to screen and test individuals to ensure that we have conducted a thorough investigation, as well as to educate the public about our response process,” Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers said. “Once again, we thank the residents of Perry County for their outstanding support during this time.”

To encourage screening and follow-up, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, through Jan. 29, the Perry County Health Department will pay

*$20 to anyone coming in to be screened for TB by the TSPOT blood test.

*Another $20 for returning after three days to get the result.

* A third $20 for keeping an appointment to get a chest X-ray if it is recommended.

*An additional $100 to a patient if it is recommended that he or she take medication and treatment is completed.

Because of the high rate of TB infection in Marion, the Perry County Health Department is the only local health department offering money to patients for TB screening and treatment.

Symptoms of TB include cough lasting more than two weeks, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue.

A person may be infected with the TB germ and have no symptoms. Fortunately, patients can be treated preventively before becoming ill.

The Perry County Health Department is located at 1748 S. Washington St., Marion. All services are confidential and are provided at no charge. No appointment is needed for this service.

For further information or questions, please contact Pam Barrett, Director, Division of TB Control, at (334) 467-8208, or pam.barrett@adph.state.al.us.