WHEREAS, on March 24, 1882, physician and microbiologist Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB); and

WHEREAS, since its first observance on March 24, 1982, World Tuberculosis Day brings attention to the global epidemic of TB and recognizes the work of health experts worldwide and within our Nevada state and local health departments and health care facilities; and

WHEREAS, according to the World Health Organization, TB disease is the second leading infectious disease killer in the world, and a quarter of the world's population has TB infection, a condition with the potential to progress to TB disease; and

WHEREAS, risk factors for TB include: close contact to a person with infectious TB; persons with histories of homelessness, incarceration, or substance abuse; medical conditions that weaken the immune system, including diabetes; and immigration from areas of the world with high rates of TB; and

WHEREAS, Nevadans should be mindful of the symptoms of TB, such as a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood or mucus, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats, and see a doctor immediately if they suspect they have the disease; and

WHEREAS, pulmonary TB disease is contagious, and its early detection, completion of appropriate prescribed medication therapy, and effective evaluation of exposed contacts is critical in preventing the cycle of TB transmission; and

WHEREAS, Nevada's State and local health departments, together with community partners and health care providers, are united to support the Nevadans, families, and communities affected by TB; and

WHEREAS, through robust efforts of TB disease awareness, prevention, and treatment, a world free of tuberculosis is possible;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEVE SISOLAK, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim March 24, 2022, as

WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY IN NEVADA