Many people think of tuberculosis, also known as TB, as a disease of the past, but it very much affects people today across the globe, country, and in Putnam County. Public health efforts are essential in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. TB can spread through the air when a person with the disease coughs, sneezes, sings, or speaks. Tuberculosis can either be active or latent. Someone with active TB can experience symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath and may be contagious. Someone with latent TB infection (LTBI) is infected with the bacteria/germs but are not yet sick or contagious. Both are treatable with adherence to specific treatment regimens.  

The Putnam County Department of Health offers free screening, evaluation, and treatment services for TB for Putnam residents to reduce the spread of this disease in the county. Public Health Nurse Rebeca Garcia coordinates these services in Putnam County among many other nursing tasks. Continue reading to learn more about Rebeca and her work in the TB program. 

What is your favorite part of working at the health department? 

My favorite part of working at the health department is the ability to be a source of information, particularly of tuberculosis (TB), to county residents/patients and providers.  

Is there a particularly rewarding experience you’d like to share? 

There’s not one experience, but, in general, it’s rewarding to assist TB patients in getting to the end of what can be often a long and hard treatment. Seeing how far they have come and getting to be a part of their journey.   

What does your day-to-day work look like? 

Public health work can be unpredictable; however, I primarily work in the tuberculosis (TB) Program. My day-to-day can consist of case managing active TB and latent TB cases, following up on lab reports, testing for potential cases, providing TB screening (through skin testing), and providing education and outreach in the community.  

I’m also involved in various programs including lead poisoning prevention, communicable disease, immunizations, and school disease surveillance.   

What do you wish the public knew about your job? 

I wish the public could see how much work goes on behind the scenes in public health to prevent illness and outbreaks in the community. And that health department staff are always available and willing to be a resource for any resident or, for instance, a provider that may be unsure how to navigate a potential case of TB.  

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  

The best piece of advice I have received is not to be afraid to ask questions. That is the way to learn and grow as a person.  

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career? 

One important lesson is that, as a nurse, you never stop learning, and it is of the utmost importance to continue to educate yourself regarding the work you do. Another important lesson any nurse should learn is to be flexible in your work and to know when to pivot.  

A tuberculin skin test, called a TST for short, can help determine whether you are infected with TB germs and can help diagnose someone with LTBI or active TB. TSTs are offered at the health department by appointment for those at higher risk of contracting TB. This includes people who work in healthcare settings, come from a country where TB is common, or have spent time with someone with active TB. Those who want to make an appointment for a TST can call 845-808-1390. More information about TB can be found at www.cdc.gov/tb.