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Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, TB, is a communicable disease
caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread
primarily by tiny airborne particles, known as droplet nuclei
that can be generated when individuals, who have infectious
TB sneeze, cough, speak, or sing. If another person inhales
air containing these droplet nuclei, transmission may occur.
Persons who are infected with M. tuberculosis, but
who do not have TB disease cannot spread the infection to
other people. TB infection in a person who does not have TB
disease is not considered a case of TB and is often referred
to as latent TB infection (LTBI).
Bethlehem Health Bureau
- TB-Clinic Services
TB is a reportable disease according to Pennsylvania
Code, Title 28, Chapter 27. The Bethlehem Health Bureau,
BHB, serves Bethlehem City residents by conducting a TB-clinic
held once a month. Some services provided by the Bethlehem
Health Bureau to tuberculosis patients, suspects, contacts,
and others at high risk include:
- TB skin test, application of PPD to city residents for
a fee of $5.
- Anti-TB medication for treatment and prevention of the
disease
- Laboratory (lab) and chest radiography (chest X-ray),
if there is no source of payment
- In-field, directly-observed therapy (DOT) for patients
to complete recommended therapy
For location information of the Bethlehem Health Bureau’s
monthly TB-clinic, please call 610-865-7083
Additional TB Information
The Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) is the intradermal
injection of purified protein derivative (PPD) usually on
the inner forearm. The site is examined by a trained health
care worker 48 to 72 hours after injection for induration
(palpable swelling). The diameter of induration is measured,
in millimeter (mm), and recorded; redness or bruising is disregarded.
Some symptoms suggestive of TB are:
- Productive and prolonged cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
At Risk Populations include:
- Close contacts of persons know or suspected to have TB
disease
- Foreign-born persons, including children, from areas
that have a high TB prevalence
- Residents and employees of high risk settings
- Some medically underserved, low-income populations (defined
locally)
- High-risk racial or ethnic minority populations
- Infants, children, and adolescents exposed to adults
in high-risk categories
- Individuals who inject illicit drugs
- Incarcerated individuals
- Health care workers who serve high-risk clients
Groups at Higher Risk for Developing TB disease once
infected include:
- HIV infection
- Recent infection with M. tuberculosis (within
the past 2 years), especially infants and very young children
- Medical conditions known to increase the risk for disease
if infection occurs
- Current use of illicit drugs
- History of inadequately treated TB disease
For more information, please call
the Bethlehem Health Bureau @ 610-865-7087
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