The Alabama Department of Public Health continues to work to stop a tuberculosis outbreak in Perry County.

On Monday, 279 individuals were screened for TB. On Wednesday, another 250 were tested.

Of those who were screened Monday, 26 people tested positive for the TB germ and were to be given final test results Friday.

“We are very pleased with the public response to control this dangerous disease,” said Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers. “The support by the local community in getting this important health information out to the public has been outstanding, including participation by community leaders in a town hall meeting.”

Due to the number of patients being tested for TB, the health department expects results from the tests to take about 5 to 7 days.

All patients are being given a date to return for their results at the time they are tested.

A positive skin test or blood test usually means that a patient has been infected with the TB germ. It does not necessarily mean they have tuberculosis. Other tests, such as an X-ray or sputum sample, are needed to confirm a diagnosis.

TB screening will continue to be conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. No testing will be done on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

From now through Jan. 29, the Perry County Health Department will give the following incentives for people to be screened and treated for tuberculosis :

4$20 to anyone coming in to be screened for TB by the TSPOT blood test.

4Another $20 for returning after three days to get test results.

4A third $20 for keeping an appointment to get a chest X-ray if it is recommended.

4An additional $100 for completing treatment if it’s recommended for a patient to take medicine.

Perry County is the only local health department that will offer money to patients for tuberculosis screening and treatment.

Symptoms of TB include a cough that lasts for 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. Patients can be treated preventively before becoming ill.

Testing will be done on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Perry County Health Department, 1748 S. Washington St., Marion.

All services are provided at no charge. No appointment is needed for this service.

For further information or questions, contact Barrett at (334) 467-8208 or pam.barrett@adph.state.al.us.