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Tuberculosis Testing
Skin testing (PPD) for tuberculosis (TB) is available at the public health department on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (with the exception of holidays) between Noon and 4:30 pm. Patients receiving a TB test must return to the public health department within 48-72 hours to have the test results checked.
Cost for a TB test is currently $18. Medicaid can be billed for the cost of the test, otherwise the fee is due at the time of service. For more information on TB testing, please call the Immunization program at (231) 724-1220.
Tuberculosis Treatment
TB tests that return positive results are followed-up on by a public health nurse. Educational information, an appointment with a pulmonary specialist, and treatment, if indicated, are provided. Treatment includes medication and monitoring for 9 months at no charge. Treatment is available at the public health department Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - Noon and 1:00 - 5:00 pm.
Tuberculin Skin Testing (TST) Workshops
The Tuberculin Skin Testing (TST) Workshop is highly recommended for health care professionals to strengthen skills in administering, reading and recording Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Tests. We currently hold workshops every other month for certification and recertification at no charge.
Upcoming Workshop Schedule
| Dates: |
January 15, 2013
April 16, 2013
July 16, 2013
October 15, 2013
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| Times: |
8:30-12:30 Certification |
| Location: |
133 E. Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442 |
| Register: |
Call (231) 724-4421 |
Special Note: Information about TST workshops in other locations can be found at www.michigantb.org. Not all classes are free of charge.
General Tuberculosis (TB) Information
TB is a disease caused by bacteria. The bacteria can attack any part of the body, but usually attacks the lungs. TB is spread through the air from person-to-person. The bacteria are put into the air when a person coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected.
What are latent TB and active TB disease?
People who are infected with latent TB do not feel sick, do not have any symptoms, and cannot spread TB. They may however develop TB disease at some time in the future. People with TB disease can be treated and cured if they seek medical help. Even better, people who have latent TB infection but are not yet sick can take medicine so that they will never develop TB disease.
| Latent TB Infection |
Active TB Disease |
- Have no symptoms
- Do not feel sick
- Cannot spread TB to others
- Usually have a positive skin test
- Chest x-ray and sputum tests normal
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Symptoms include:
- a bad cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks
- pain in the chest
- coughing up blood or sputum
- weakness or fatigue
- weight loss
- no appetite
- chills
- fever
- sweating at night
- May spread TB to others
- Usually have a positive skin test
- May have abnormal chest x-ray, and/or positive sputum smear or culture
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Who is at an increased risk for developing TB disease?
Some people develop TB disease soon after becoming infected, before their immune system can fight the TB bacteria. Other people may get sick later, when their immune system becomes weak for some reason.
Babies and young children often have weak immune systems. People infected with HIV have very weak immune systems. Other people can have weak immune systems too, especially people with any of these conditions:
- substance abuse
- diabetes mellitus
- silicosis
- cancer of the head or neck
- leukemia or Hodgkin's disease
- severe kidney disease
- low body weight
- certain medical treatments (such as corticosteroid treatment or organ transplants)
For more information, call (231) 724-4421.
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