By Megan Wehring
HAYS COUNTY -- World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is being recognized on March 24 in Hays County.
In 2019, TB infected 1,159 residents in Texas which is a 2.7% increase from 2018. Eighty-six cases were reported in seven out of 30 counties that make up Region 7; Travis County reported 44, Hays reported four and Caldwell reported one. Data from 2020 has not been finalized yet.
"As of right now, the CDC last reported only 888 cases for Texas," said Amy Wolf, TB case manager for Hays County. "That seems amazing but it's because it's overshadowed by COVID."
Region 7 is one of only two regions in Texas that did not see a decrease in TB numbers -- Hays County has an increase in cases following the arrival of COVID-19. Residents should know their TB status, Wolf explained, but they should wait four weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to get tested for TB.
While Wolf's team is only made up of two people, they are committed to serving the county.
"[Our team] is small and dedicated to the health of Hays County," Wolf said. "We truly appreciate all the continued support that we get from this county to do our job and to get out there and help these residents."
