Hundreds Turn Out for Paid TB Screenings in Marion

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From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Hundreds of people turn out for Tuberculosis screenings in Marion after state health officials offer a cash incentive for people to get tested and treated for the disease.

Health officials are trying to stop the spread of a deadly TB outbreak. They say there have been 26 cases of TB linked to the city of Marion since 2014 and three people have died.

State health officials are giving cash to anyone in the community who gets screened for TB over the next three weeks.

Pam Barrett is the Tuberculosis Control Director for the Alabama department of Public Health.

“We think that that’s an important way to get people’s attention to let them know the importance of this test,” said Barrett.

Paid TB screenings will be available at the Perry County Health Department in Marion every  Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM until January 29th.

Barret says they’re equipped to screen up to 300 people each day.