Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment and Prevention Program
The TB program promotes and protects the health and safety of Santa Rosa County by identifying, treating and preventing the spread of tuberculosis (TB). We work closely with healthcare providers in our community to provide follow-up care and treatment to people who have TB, their close contacts and those who are at high-risk of TB to ensure the control and prevention of tuberculosis in our community.
What is Tuberculosis?
TB is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. It is spread from person to person through the air when an
infected individual coughs or sneezes particles into the air. The bacteria
usually attacks the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such
as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB can be fatal.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Cough lasting longer than three (3) weeks
- Unexplained substantial weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weakness
*Other symptoms may be present depending on which areas of the body are infected.
TB Infection Rates
Approximately 13,000 new cases of TB are reported in the United States each year. There are an estimated 10-15 million people who are infected with TB who may develop the disease any day.
TB Infection vs. Disease
Individuals who
become infected with TB may not exhibit any signs or symptoms since the bacteria
lie dormant in the individual's body. At this time the infected person is not
contagious. They may develop the disease at a later time so they are given
medicine to prevent this development. Individuals who develop TB disease are
contagious and need to seek immediate medical treatment. A person may have a
positive TB skin test but this only indicates exposure, not necessarily an
active infection. In order for a patient to be classified as an active TB case,
several criteria must be met beyond the skin test.
Screenings
TB skin tests are only recommended in Florida for groups at high risk for TB disease and groups at high risk to progress from infection to disease. TB skin testing is no longer routinely recommended for:
-
Students in FL Schools or Universities
-
Pregnant Women
-
Teachers or School Related Staff
-
Daycare Staff
-
Food Preparation Staff
People who decide to be tested should be willing to accept and complete treatment if tested positive. TB is treated with a number of special antibiotics given over 9 to 12 months. The TB germs are very strong and slow to be killed. It is important that persons infected with TB follow the medication schedule closely. Failure to follow the medication schedule could result in a more serious "drug resistant" TB condition.
If you have any questions regarding the TB program, please call the Florida Department of Health in Santa Rosa County at (850) 983-5200.
If you believe you have come in contact with tuberculosis (TB), open this form and read the questionnaire. If you can answer "yes" to any of the questions, please print the form, fill out all the information, bring in to the health department and request to speak to the TB nurse:
TB Questionnaire (.pdf 16kb)
Helpful links
Florida Department of Health Tuberculosis Page
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Tuberculosis Page
Florida Tuberculosis Hotline
1-800-4TB INFO
1-800-482-4636