Association Supports Efforts with Mexico to Prevent Tuberculosis

The American Lung Association of California and its medical section, the California Thoracic Society, voiced their support for establishing the State Office of Bi-National Border Health because it is an important step in ensuring that the United States and Mexico work together to prevent the spread of tuberculosis. Assembly Bill 63 (Duchney, D-San Diego) would create the office.

Tuberculosis, a contagious disease that affects the lungs, is able to spread if the infected person does not receive proper treatment. Even worse, with partial treatment the bacteria become drug-resistant, causing a more serious public health problem.

The disease is more prevalent in border cities, and recent immigrants account for a large number of the TB cases in California.