Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by bacteria that can infect the lungs, bones, skin, and other body parts.
We test those at risk for TB and treat people with latent and active TB disease to reduce rates of the infection since the bacteria can be spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, or speaking.
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 a country where TB disease is more common.
- Having contact with someone with 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 with us. 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.
- Please note that some immunizations might affect TB test results. If you need TB testing and immunizations such as MMR, Varicella, or Yellow Fever, get your TB test before, or on the same day as any immunizations, or wait 4-6 weeks after the immunizations to get the TB test.
Latent TB Infection & Treatment
Latent TB means you have been infected with TB bacteria, but your immune system has been able to fight the bacteria to keep you from getting active TB disease. People with Latent TB infection:
- Have no symptoms
- Don't feel sick
- Can't spread TB to others
- Usually have a positive skin test result
- 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 active cases of tuberculosis are quickly identified. We help patients with active TB, from diagnosis through cure. We also make sure that anyone who has had contact with someone who has active TB is tested and, if necessary, treated.
Drug Resistant TB
Sometimes TB drugs can no longer kill the TB bacteria. While Wisconsin is a low incidence state for TB disease, 6% of TB cases in Wisconsin are multi-drug resistant.
Resources
- Wisconsin TB Statistics, WI Department of Health Services
- Questions and Answers about TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Patient Resources, WI Department of Health Services
- Home Sputum Collection Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide