Tuberculosis (TB)
MCHD collaborates with the Wisconsin TB Dispensary program, and providers to assure people receive adequate and appropriate diagnostic and treatment services. Those who qualify, may receive case management services and anti-tuberculosis medications at no cost.
What is TB?
TB is caused by a bacterium (or germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and usually affects the lungs. Not everyone infected with TB germs becomes sick. As a result, two TB related conditions exist-inactive TB (Latent TB Infection or LTBI) and active TB disease. People with LTBI do not have any symptoms and cannot spread TB, but may develop active TB in the future without treatment.
Learn more about TB:
Those who have risk factors for TB infection or have recent symptoms of active TB should be tested.
The CDC & the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends testing to those who are at increased risk for TB infection (targeted testing).
Testing can identify people who have a latent TB infection (LTBI), and are at risk for developing infectious (active) TB disease.
Employers may also require their employees receive baseline testing
Risk factors for TB infection in Wisconsin include:
– Those who were born, resided, or traveled to a country with a high TB rate for 1 month or more
– Those who had close contact to someone with infectious TB
A persistent cough lasting 3 or more weeks AND 1 or more of the following:
-Coughing up blood
-Fever
-Night sweats
-Unexplained weight loss
-Fatigue
If you have symptoms of active TB, seek immediate medical care.
Manitowoc County Health Department provides targeted TB skin testing to those who have risk factors. Depending on your situation, it may be better to get a blood test.
For testing questions, call 920-683-4155 and ask to speak to the on call nurse.
MCHD does not provide baseline testing for employment