MONTGOMERY, ALA. — The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is asking poultry workers to be screened for tuberculosis (TB) following reports of seven confirmed cases of individuals who have worked in one or more poultry plants.
Specifically, ADPH is asking workers in Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence and Lauderdale counties who have been employed at a poultry plant anytime between June 2022 and now to get tested.
TB is caused by bacteria that typically attacks the lungs. It’s known to spread from one infected person’s lungs to another through activities like talking or coughing. TB could be fatal when left untreated and people can be infected with TB without showing symptoms.
ADPH noted that TB is treated with antibiotics and is almost always cured.
The agency said current and former poultry plant workers who get tested for TB at designated health departments will receive a $20 gift card.
ADPH is offering a blood test on the following days and locations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.:
- Lauderdale County Health Department, Aug. 7 and Aug. 9
- Colbert County Health Department, Aug. 10
- Lawrence County Health Department, Aug. 14
- Franklin County Health Department, Aug. 17
