Tuberculosis Testing and Monitoring Program
Tuberculosis (TB)
The Division of Public Health holds clinics to evaluate individuals with a history of a positive PPD (positive purified protein derivative), a Positive QuantiFERON Tb- Gold blood test or exposure. Case management, contact investigation, and treatment is provided for active tuberculosis disease and treatment of latent TB infection. If you have questions, concerns, or potential exposure please call 856-327-7602.
How Tuberculosis Spreads:
TB bacteria spread through the air from one person to another. When a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, TB bacteria can get into the air. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.
TB is NOT spread by
- shaking someone’s hand
- sharing food or drink
- touching bed linens or toilet seats
- sharing toothbrushes
- kissing
When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, they can move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain.
TB disease in the lungs or throat can be infectious especially if the person has symptoms of illness.
People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend the most time with daily. This may include family members, friends, co-workers, or schoolmates.
Active tuberculosis can be confirmed by screening for signs and symptoms of disease in addition to placement of a skin test or blood test result indicating TB infection and diagnostic screen such as a chest x-ray, and sputum collection.
Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. TB bacteria usually grow in the lungs (pulmonary TB). TB disease in the lungs may cause symptoms such as
- presence of a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
- pain in the chest
- coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
Other symptoms of TB disease are
- weakness or fatigue
- weight loss
- poor appetite
- chills
- fever
- sweating at night
Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected.
Tuberculosis can be Active or Latent.
Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Someone with Latent Tuberculosis Infection usually do not have any signs or symptoms. Some individuals may have a history of a positive PPD or positive QuantiFERON Tb Gold, however have a negative Chest Radiograph. Individuals with Latent TB usually:
- Do not feel sick,
- Do not have any symptoms,
- Cannot spread TB to others but,
- May develop TB disease if they do not receive treatment for latent TB infection
- Have a normal chest x-ray and a negative sputum smear
For more information about active Tuberculosis Disease and Latent Tuberculosis Infection, please visit the following websites: