08/03/2025
Our Cousin Program - Yakama Nation Public Community Health is keeping us informed about Tuberculosis (TB)
As we gather for powwows, canoe journeys, and ceremonies, let’s remember to protect our elders and communities. TB spreads through close contact—so it’s important to stay informed.
✅ Know the signs
✅ Get tested
✅ Talk with your traveling relatives
Let’s keep each other safe—because when one of us is strong, we all are.
Be sure to Follow them & share this post for updates and resources.
Let’s Keep Each Other Safe This Gathering Season
As we come together for pow wows, canoe journeys, stick game tournaments, basketball, softball, concerts, feasts, and funerals, we celebrate culture, family, and tradition. These gatherings are powerful, joyful, and sacred and it’s important that we care for each other’s health during these times too.
We want to remind our community that illnesses like Tuberculosis (TB) and other infections can spread in close-contact settings. TB spreads through the air — just by talking, coughing, or sneezing near other especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
TB can spread through:
• Airborne transmission (breathing in bacteria from the air)
• Close and extended contact with someone who has TB
• Crowded and poorly ventilated spaces
• Weakened immune systems
• Sharing personal items like utensils, bedding, or smoking/vaping devices
You can help protect your loved ones:
✅ Know the signs — cough lasting 3+ weeks, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss
✅ Get tested if you’ve been exposed or feel unwell
✅ Talk to a healthcare provider — testing is easy and treatment is available
✅ Respect health boundaries — especially for elders and immunocompromised relatives
We can celebrate, grieve, and gather and still take care of each other. Culture is medicine let’s protect it by protecting our people.
For questions or TB testing info, contact:
Yakama Nation Public Community Health
📍 10 S. Alder Street, Toppen*sh
📞 (509) 865-1033
