Homeless learn about TB risksThis Saturday, as they have for the previous three weekends, members of St. David’s Episcopal Church will spread the word among Columbia’s homeless about the symptoms — and dangers — of untreated tuberculosis.
Although many people believe tuberculosis has been nearly eradicated, “part of what we have been explaining is that it has been making a resurgence and you have to take the full course of treatment for it,” said the Rev. Robert Chiles, St. David’s pastor.
The homeless can be at risk of tuberculosis, an infectious disease that attacks the lungs, because they often are near strangers with health problems. The disease spreads from person to person through airborne contact, when a person with TB coughs or talks.
The March outreach coincides with World TB Day on March 24, marking the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis.
Parishioners who distribute the information have teamed with another St. David’s member, C.J. Bilka, who provides a hot dog lunch each Saturday to the city’s homeless.
Bilka started the hot dog ministry six years ago in the parking lot of Suggs & Kelly law firm in downtown Columbia. Between 80 and 140 men and women routinely show up.
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/726099.html
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