Tuberculosis (TB)

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Page last updated: 6/25/24

Our TB Program

Our public health nurses investigate the spread of tuberculosis in our community and connect people with tuberculosis to treatment. They can also perform a skin test if you need one for work or school, or if you suspect you may have TB.

For more information, please call 203-977-5385. 


About Tuberculosis (TB)

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium (or germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

How does TB spread?

TB can spread through the air from person to person when someone with active TB coughs, speaks, or sings. Germs can stay in the air for several hours depending on the environment.

Types of TB

  • Inactive TB, also known as latent TB, cannot be spread from person to person. This person does not have signs and symptoms of TB.
  • Active TB is when germs are multiplying in the body. When someone has active TB, they feel sick and can spread the disease. Without treatment this can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms

If you have active TB, you may notice a combination of these signs and symptoms:

  • A cough that lasts three weeks or longer
  • Chest pain
  • Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chills
  • Fever
  • Night sweats

People with inactive TB do not have symptoms. However, without treatment, they can develop active TB disease and become sick.

Testing

If your healthcare provider thinks you may have TB, they can perform a blood test or a skin test. Sometimes, you may be required to get a skin test for work or school. 

  • The TB blood test measures how your immune system reacts to the germs that cause TB.
  • TB skin test is when a small needle to put some testing material under the skin. This is often called a PPD test.

If your blood test or skin test is positive, your provider may have you do a chest x-ray.

Treatment

If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with TB, make sure to follow their instructions for treatment. It's important to take the medicine they give you as prescribed to avoid becoming sicker or spreading it to other people.

 

For more information about TB, you can check out this CDC webpage.