Photo: South Carolina Department of Public Health     (WCIV) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health is working to raise awareness about tuberculosis prevention and treatment methods in observance of World TB Day. World TB Day, recognized annually on March 24, marks the day in 1882 whe n the infectious disease was discovered. Now in 2025, the SC DPH is forming a Tuberculosis Control Program with the aim of eliminating tuberculosis in South Carolina. “Worldwide TB continues to be a frequent and dangerous infectious disease, yet many remain astounded that it’s still around in South Carolina,” said Amy R. Painter, DPH Tuberculosis Section Director. “While South Carolina has a low-incidence rate compared to other areas in the United States, we cannot let our guard down. Our team of physicians, nurses, social workers, and case managers remain committed to quality treatment of our patients and full evaluations of all close contacts to prevent future cases of TB in South Carolina.” Prior to the discovery of the first antibiotic to treat TB in the 1940s, tuberculosis diagnosis often required hospitalization and isolation from family and loved ones in TB hospitals or sanatoriums. In the 1930s, more than one-third of those admitted to the South Carolina Sanatorium, then the state’s primary facility for those with TB, died in the hospital. Thankfully with effective treatment, TB is now rarely fatal. According to research performed by the SC DPH, in South Carolina in 2024, there were 83 cases of TB. DPH provides medications by Directly Observed Therapy for all people with TB at no cost to the patient; performs contact investigations on all infectious cases of TB disease; treats LTBI; offers consultation services to community partners regarding TB; and offers public outreach materials that help educate South Carolinians about tuberculosis. Categories: Local News Tags: SC Department of Public Health, South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) ...read more read less