Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air; and is one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers. People who breath in the bacteria can become infected. If not treated properly, tuberculosis can be fatal. Getting tested and treated for tuberculosis can protect yourself, your family and friends, and your community.  

Risk Factors

Anyone can get tuberculosis. But you may be at higher risk for TB if you:

• Recently spent time with someone who has tuberculosis.
• Work in places where TB is more likely to spread, such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and nursing homes.
• Have a weaker immune system because of certain medications or health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and HIV.
• Were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB is common, including some countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
• Live or have lived in large group settings, such as homeless shelters, prisons, or jails.

Testing

Anyone may be tested for tuberculosis including adults, children, and pregnant women. People that are at higher risk should get tested for TB.

There are two types of tests that can find TB infection:

1. TB Blood Test: Also called an interferon-gamma release assay or IGRA. The TB blood test measures how your immune system reacts to the germs that cause TB. If you have ever received a vaccine for TB, your health care provider should recommend the TB blood test.
2. TB Skin Test: Also known as a PPD. A health care provider uses a small needle to put some testing material under the skin. You will need to return to your health care provider in two to three days to see if there is a reaction.

Services Available at DOH-Jefferson

DOH-Jefferson provides full spectrum tuberculosis care. This includes: testing for TB infection, medication for the disease or infection, case management services, and physical exams for those cases who have active TB disease. These services are available Monday through Friday during normal clinic hours.

TB Tests

Tuberculosis testing is free to anyone who has had contact with a documented active tuberculosis case.

PPD skin tests cost $20. After skin testing, you must return to the Health Department for a reading in 48 to 72 hours. The skin test area will be examined by a nurse, and PPD form will be provided to the client.

Blood tests (IGRA / Quantiferon) will be billed at the current lab fee cost to the Health Department.

Treatment

To be treated by the Florida Department of Health in Jefferson County, have your physician submit a referral. Our staff will order the needed medications, chest x-rays, and arrange for "directly observed therapy", which is making sure TB patients take their medicine by having a staff member observe them either at home or at the health clinic.