The purpose of the TB Clinic is to offer detection, treatment, education and follow-up on Tuberculosis. TB services are available to all who fall within the service criteria without regard to the client’s ability to pay. Each county provides TB testing and services to the residents of that county.
Services Provided
- Tuberculin skin test
Tests are given each weekday except Thursday, call 833-337-1749 for an appointment. - TB medications
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria mycobacterium tuberculosis that usually affects the lungs, although it can affect any part of the body. TB is transmitted through the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or larynx coughs, sings, sneezes or speaks. Worldwide, TB is the second leading cause of death due to an infectious disease behind HIV. The World Health Organization estimates that there are more than eight million new cases and more than two million deaths due to TB each year.
For the year 2020, Georgia had 221 reported cases of TB which is a case rate of 2.1 % per 100,000 population (national case rate is 2.2% per 100,000 population). Currently, Georgia is ranked 6th in number of cases and 9th in case rate per 100,000 population among the 50 states in the United States. One-third of the world’s population harbors the germ that causes TB which is called latent TB infection (LTBI). Individuals with LTBI are at an increase risk for developing active TB disease. Individuals with active TB disease can be treated and cured. Individuals with latent TB infection can be treated to reduce their chances of becoming sick with active TB disease.
Pulmonary TB symptoms
A productive cough lasting more than three weeks, fever, chills, night sweats, feeling tired, loss of appetite, weight loss and coughing up blood.
Tuberculin Skin Testing
Mantoux tuberculin skin testing (TST) is the standard method of identifying infected persons. A tuberculin skin test should be administered and read by trained healthcare personnel and read 48 to 72 hours after administration. Contact the health department in your county to schedule a test.