Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.
The infection usually attacks the lungs, but can attack the kidneys, spine, and brain.
If not treated, active TB can be fatal.
There are two types of TB that the Hopkins County Health Department monitors:
- Latent TB Infection
The person is infected with the TB “germ,” but it does not make them sick or anyone else around them sick. The person’s body can fight the bacteria from growing, but not to get rid of it totally. If this bacterium becomes active, it could multiply and become active TB. This is when you may infect others. - Active TB Disease
The bacteria are active and your immune system cannot fight off the disease. You become sick and pass TB on to others. A person with active TB will be prescribed special antibiotics made specifically to fight TB disease.
The Hopkins County Health Department performs TB risk assessment/evaluation on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. After the evaluation, if you are at high risk for TB, you will be given a TB skin test. The cost is $15.00. You will need to return in 48-72 hours to have the TB skin test evaluated.