The number of confirmed cases of tuberculosis in Perry County continues to grow.

On Friday, it was released that two more patients — one adult and one child under 15 years old — were diagnosed with TB in Perry County. Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley announced the authorization of more than $235,000 in emergency funding for the Alabama Department of Public Health’s ongoing response to the TB outbreak Friday.

The emergency funding will go toward the testing, follow-up and treatment of Perry County residents.

“We are dealing with a very aggressive TB outbreak in Perry County, and it is important that the Alabama Department of Public Health have all available resources to help treat and mitigate this disease,” Bentley said in a press release. “As a doctor, I know the importance of treating any disease early and often, and as Alabama’s governor, I have resources to help. I approved emergency funding to ADPH specifically to assist with TB screenings and treatments.”

With the two additional cases of TB, the total number of those diagnosed in Marion has increased to 23. There are 29 confirmed cases across the state, with four in Tuscaloosa and two in Centreville.

Dr. Pam Barrett, TB controller with the ADPH, said 11 more patients are currently being seen for TB.

“Our two goals are to find patients infected with the TB germ and patients who have TB disease,” said ADPH pediatrician and medical consultant Dr. Karen Landers in a press release. “We can now treat the patients to prevent additional cases of TB disease and the spread of the TB germ to others.”

The child whose diagnosis was announced Friday was reportedly diagnosed early in the ADPH’s screening program before having symptoms. The child was in very close contact with an adult who had TB.

The Health Department’s TB screening began on Jan. 11 and since then, 2,023 residents in Marion and Perry County have been screened. There have been 151 patients who have tested positive for the TB germ. Of the 394 children who have been tested, seven children tested positive for the TB germ.

Superintendent of the Perry County School System John H. Heard III said he fully supports offering testing to students and staff at Francis Marion High School who have not previously been tested, but he reassured residents that students can still feel safe going to school.

“We believe the science of how TB is transmitted and treated is sound,” Heard said. “Children, especially younger children, generally do not spread TB. Our schools remain safe for students and staff. However, we want to ensure that our students, staff, parents and community know that every effort is being taken to prevent the spread of this disease and maintain a safe school environment.”

Symptoms of TB include a cough lasting more than two weeks, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue. A person may be infected with the TB germ but may not experience any symptoms.

TB testing takes place at the Perry County Health Department, located at 1748 S. Washington St. in Marion. All services are confidential and provided at no charge.

“I hope with this extra funding, we will be able to contain this outbreak from spreading into other parts of the state and treat those with tuberculosis,” Bentley said.