Public Health Madison & Dane County

Tuberculosis

Pulmonary TB x-ray

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by bacteria. It usually attacks the lungs, but can attack any part of the body.

We test people at risk for TB and treat people who have latent and active TB disease. This reduces rates of the infection because TB can spread by coughing, sneezing, or speaking.

TB information for partners & providers

Testing for Tuberculosis

Are you at risk?

Not everyone needs to be tested for tuberculosis. Check to see if you have risk factors. In Wisconsin, the two most common risk factors for TB disease are:

  • Being born in or having lived in a country where TB disease is more common.
  • Having contact with someone who has active TB disease.

Testing for TB Infection

If you have risk factors for tuberculosis, you may be able to get a TB test from us. We do not do TB testing for work, school, or volunteering. 

We test people for TB with a blood test. To get a test, call (608) 266-4821.

  • We will ask questions to see if you qualify for testing. If you do, we will make an appointment for you.
  • At your appointment, you will fill out paperwork and have your blood drawn.
  • Test results will be sent to you in the mail, usually within 1-2 weeks.
  • Some vaccines can affect TB test results. If you need a TB test AND MMR, Varicella, or Yellow Fever vaccines:
    • Get your TB test before your vaccines, or
    • Get your TB test the same day as your vaccines, or
    • Wait 4-6 weeks after vaccines to get the TB test.

Other Places to Get a TB Test

  • Concentra East: (608) 244-1213
    4260 E Towne Blvd, Madison, WI 53704
  • Concentra West: (608) 829-1888
    358 Junction Rd. Madison, WI 53717
  • Fitchburg Family Pharmacy: (608) 274-3784
    3050 Cahill Main, Fitchburg, WI  53711

Latent TB Infection & Treatment

Latent TB means you have been infected with TB bacteria, but your immune system is fighting the bacteria to keep you from getting sick with TB disease.​

People with Latent TB infection:

  • Have no symptoms
  • Don't feel sick
  • Can't spread TB to others
  • Usually have a positive TB test result (blood or skin test)
  • CAN develop TB disease later in life if they don't get treated

We work with local providers to make sure that people who have Latent TB infection get treated.

TB Disease Symptoms & Treatment

TB disease means your immune system can't fight the TB bacteria you have been infected with. TB can occur anywhere in the body, but for most people, it will infect the lungs. People with TB disease in the lungs can spread the infection to others.

People with TB disease in the lungs may have:

  • A bad cough lasting 3 weeks or longer
  • Pain in the chest
  • Cough up blood or sputum
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • No appetite
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Sweating at night

We work with clinics and hospitals to make sure people with active tuberculosis are quickly identified. We help people who had contact with a person who has active TB get tested and if needed, get treated.

Resources

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Tuberculosis