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Tuberculosis (TB)

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 every other month. Some services provided by the Bethlehem Health Bureau to tuberculosis patients, suspects, contacts, and others at high risk include:
 
  • Anti-TB medication for treatment and prevention of the disease
  • Assistance with obtaining needed laboratory and radiographic services for TB clinic patients
  • In-field, directly-observed therapy (DOT) for patients to complete recommended therapy
  • Targeted investigations designed to contain transmission of infection to protect the public wellbeing

For information on the Bethlehem Health Bureau’s 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.

A blood test called an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is offered in some cases instead of the TST to help diagnose either LTBI or TB disease. This test is not affected by the BCG vaccination
additional information for health care providers
tb symptoms:
  • Productive and prolonged cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweatsProductive and prolonged cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats
at risk populations
  • Close contacts of persons known or suspected to have TB disease
  • Foreign-born persons, including children, from areas that have a high TB prevalence. Highest risk is among those in the US less than six years.
  • Frequent travelers to TB endemic areas.
  • Residents and employees of high risk settings
  • Some medically underserved, low-income populations (defined locally)
  • 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
  • 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