Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by an infection that is spread from person to person through the air. This infection can lead to TB disease which usually affects the lungs, and can cause fatigue, weight loss, fever, coughing, reduced appetite, chills, night sweats, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

Some individuals may become infected with the TB bacteria but do not initially develop TB symptoms. This is known as latent TB infection (LTBI) and can potentially develop into TB disease if left untreated.

TB is easily prevented and treated with medication to eliminate the infection.

Risk Factors for Tuberculosis

Anyone can get TB, but some are at higher risk than others. Those at higher risk include:

• People who share the same breathing space (family, friends, co-workers, etc.) with someone who has TB
• Low-income groups with limited access to health care
• Individuals from countries where TB is prevalent
• Individuals in residential settings (nursing homes, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, etc.)
• Health care workers who serve high-risk clients
• Injection drug users
• Individuals with medical conditions that may weaken the immune system (diabetes, cancer, underweight, HIV/AIDS, etc.)

Tuberculosis Control

The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County provides services, regardless of income, to clients who have been exposed or infected with TB. We identify individuals potentially exposed to tuberculosis and assess their risk of becoming infected, based on their level of exposure.

Based on the level of individual risk, screening tests are available to those who may be exposed to tuberculosis.

For additional information about TB control, please call 352-527-0068.