The mission of the TB Epidemiology Section is to generate and provide quality information on tuberculosis in Georgia to be used in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating TB control interventions and programs.

Table 1. TB Numbers & Rates by County, 2010-2011
Table 2. TB Case Rates by District, 2010-2011

2011 Georgia Tuberculosis Report

Georgia Tuberculosis Reference Guide 2005 

TB Surveillance Unit

• Collects reports of all TB cases, TB suspects, and TB contacts in Georgia. Verifies whether reported cases satisfy criteria for case definition of tuberculosis.
• Collects results of TB screening of refugees and immigrants who resettle or move to Georgia.
• Checks timeliness, completeness, and accuracy of information.
• Enters data collected from standard TB case and contact reporting forms into a computerized database.
• Analyzes data to describe TB morbidity and mortality, trends, and demographic characteristics of TB cases.
• Monitors TB incidence in high-risk populations, appropriateness of TB treatment regimens, and resistance levels to anti-TB drugs.
• Tracks TB patients moving in or out of the state or between counties to ensure continuity of treatment.
• Produces and disseminates the annual Georgia TB Epidemiology Report and other statistical reports as requested by interested parties.

TB Program Evaluation

• Analyzes data to determine the rates for completion of therapy among cases and completion of preventive therapy among contacts to cases.
• Analyzes data to assess implementation of core TB control strategies, e.g. directly-observed therapy, contact identification and evaluation, targeted-testing of high-risk populations.
• Conducts evaluative studies of special project interventions directed towards TB control and prevention.
• Reviews secondary data sources, e.g. , AIDS registries and laboratory reports, to detect failure to report cases
• Produces annual TB program management reports

Training and Education

• Provides training and support in surveillance, data management, data analysis, and outbreak investigation as requested by Georgia public health personnel.