Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. TB bacteria can attack any part of the body, but usually attacks the lungs. but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: Latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

A Person with TB Disease Exhibits:

• A Bad cough lasting 3 weeks or Longer
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Weakness and/or Fatigue
• Pain in the Chest
• Chills
• Fever
• Unexplained Weight loss
• Loss of Appetite
• Night Sweats

A Person with Latent TB Infection Exhibits:

• No symptoms
• Does not feel sick

Persons who have been recently infected with TB bacteria, includes:

• Close contacts of a person with infectious TB disease
• Persons who have immigrated from areas of the world with high rates of TB
• Children less than 5 years of age who have a positive TB test
• Groups with high rates of TB transmission, such as homeless persons, injection drug users, and persons with HIV infection
• Persons who work or reside with people who are at high risk for TB in facilities or institutions such as hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and residential homes for those with HIV

Persons with medical conditions that weaken the immune system, includes:

• HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS)
• Substance abuse
• Silicosis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Severe kidney disease
• Low body weight
• Organ transplants
• Head and neck cancer
• Medical treatments such as corticosteroids or organ transplant
• Specialized treatment for rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease

A TB skin test is given to determine TB infection. You can get this test at the Health Department or your primary physician’s office. Tuberculin Skin Testing is available at all county health departments in our district on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday’s during business hours. Skin tests must be read 48-72 hours after placement. Please contact your local county health department to see if an appointment is needed and the cost. If you are exhibiting any symptoms of TB, contact your local county health department as soon as possible.

The answer is YES. In 2019, the Southwest Health District, comprised of 14 counties: Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Mitchell, Miller, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth, yielded a TB incidence rate of 2.6, ABOVE the national target of less than or equal to 1.3.