Tuberculosis (TB) Services

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused by bacteria that is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets. TB normally affects the lungs, but can also affect other areas of the body.
Tuberculosis Spread Animation


How Do You Get TB?

TB is spread from person to person through the air. Germs are put into the air when a person with TB of the lungs coughs, sneezes, laughs or sings.


Symptoms & Next Steps

Symptoms of TB include persistent cough (cough that lasts for more than 2-3 weeks), coughing up blood or phlegm, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, night sweats. 

If you have symptoms of TB speak, with your provider. If you do not have a provider, here are some resources that can help get you connected with a provider: 

Tuberculosis Symptoms

Who Can Get TB

Anyone can get TB, but some people are more at risk than others. Those in high-risk category include:

  • Anyone in close contact with someone with TB (family member, coworker or friend)
  • Poor and/or homeless persons
  • Foreign-born individuals from countries where TB is common
  • Nursing home residents
  • Inmates
  • Alcoholics and drug users
  • People with medical conditions such as diabetes, certain types of cancers and HIV

View Exposure to TB (PDF) for more information.


Testing

If you show signs of TB, you should get tested. There are a few different types of tests.

Here at CCPHC, we offer TB skin tests. If the test is positive, you will be given other tests to see if you have TB infection or TB disease. CCPHC does not provide chest x-rays but people may qualify through a program established with Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

TB Skin Test at Clay County Public Health

Clay County Public Health Center offers TB skin tests by appointment. Call 816-595-4355 to schedule.

The 2-step TB Skin Test is two separate tests that happen one to three weeks apart. The 2-step test for tuberculosis is required for certain people. Please call us for information about the requirements set by the Missouri Department of Health, Bureau of Tuberculosis Control and the CDC. 

If you have had a TB skin test within the past year, you will only need to receive a 1-step test. However, you must bring documentation of your most recent test. 

Please note: if you consent to testing, and you are found to have active TB, you must receive and complete the required treatment. This is to limit TB infection spreading to others and to decrease the risk of developing multi-drug-resistant TB. This is set by Missouri Statue 199.180.

Click here for more information about the TB skin test.

Cost of Testing

TB testing currently costs $25. CCPHC accepts the following for payment:

  • Cash, Check, Credit Card or Debit Card
  • Medicaid (Most fees are covered by Medicaid)
  • If you have Medicaid and Medicare B, TB skin testing is not covered here.

Please call 816-595-4355 for for questions or concerns about the cost of TB testing services.


Difference Between TB Infection & TB Disease

People with TB infection (without disease) have the germ that causes TB in their body. These individuals do not have symptoms and are not sick because the germ is inactive in their body. These individuals cannot spread TB to others; however, they may develop TB disease in the future, especially if they are in a high-risk category.

Those with TB disease are sick and display one or more obvious symptoms. These individuals are capable of spreading the infection to others. Those with TB disease can often suffer permanent body damage or death.


TB Treatment

TB is easily prevented and cured. Individuals with both TB infection and TB disease are treated with medications. Those with TB infection may be treated with medication to prevent them from developing TB disease. Medications are prescribed to cure active TB disease.