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TB
Control Program
Tuberculosis
(TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs.
But, TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the
kidneys, spine and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease
can be fatal. Tb disease was once the leading cause of death
in the United States.
TB
is spread through the air from one person to another. The
bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB
disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby
may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
Not
everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. People who
are not sick have what is called latent TB infection.
People who have latent TB infection do not feel sick, do not
have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB to others. Some people
with latent TB infection do go on to get active TB disease.
People with latent TB infection can take preventative medication
so that they will not develop active TB disease.
The
Harvey County Health Department does provide TB services.
These services include TB skin tests, medication (at no charge),
assistance with doctor visits and other tests that may be
needed as well as disease surveillance and tracking. Tuberculosis
is a reportable disease according to the Kansas State Department
of Health and Environment. All cases of suspected
or confirmed tuberculosis whether active
or latent must be reported to the Harvey County Health
Department or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
For more information about TB please call the Harvey County
Health Department at 316-283-1637 or you can visit any of
the following links.
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