Inactive TB Infection (Latent TB Infection) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria but is not a communicable disease. Infected individuals have TB bacteria in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs remain inactive, kept in check by their immune system. However, without treatment, latent TB can progress into Active Pulmonary TB Disease or Extra-Pulmonary TB Disease, both of which can be fatal if not properly treated.

Active Pulmonary TB Disease is contagious, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It primarily affects the lungs, causing serious respiratory complications.

Extra-Pulmonary TB Disease occurs when M. tuberculosis spreads beyond the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the brain, bones, or kidneys. Although less common than pulmonary TB, it can be just as dangerous.

Proper diagnosis and timely treatment with antibiotics are essential to controlling and preventing the spread of TB.

 

The bacteria that causes TB infection and TB disease spreads from person to person through the air. When someone with active TB disease of the lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, the bacteria are released into the air, where they can linger for several hours. Anyone who breathes in this contaminated air may become infected.

Symptoms of Active Tuberculosis (TB) Disease

Active TB can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Persistent cough (lasting longer than three weeks)

• Coughing up blood or sputum

• Chest pain

• Fever and chills

• Night sweats

• Weakness or fatigue

• Unintentional weight loss

• Loss of appetite

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Treatment is available free of charge through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services for Woodbury county residents.

 

There are four treatment options:

 

Patients pick up their medication monthly at Siouxland District Health Department (SDHD). A Public Health Nurse (PHN) will assess for side effects and answer any questions. Upon completion, individuals receive a treatment completion letter.

 

Treatment is required and lasts 6 to 9 months, though it may be longer for individuals with underlying health conditions like HIV, diabetes, or cancer. Initial treatment typically includes four antibiotics:

 

Medications may be adjusted based on resistance, allergies, or side effects. A PHN works closely with healthcare providers, hospitals, labs, and the Iowa TB Control Program to ensure proper care.

Direct Observation Therapy (DOT) is provided Monday through Friday, either in person or via video, to ensure patients take their medications correctly and to assess for side effects. A treatment completion letter is issued at the end of therapy.

 

Treatment follows the same regimen as Active Pulmonary TB Disease.

 

 🕒 Testing Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
No TB skin testing on Thursdays

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📅 Appointments:
  Schedule an appointment online or call 712-279-6119

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✅ Important Information:

• TB skin tests must be read within 48–72 hours at SDHD.

• Failure to return within this window will require a new test at the individual's expense.

• SDHD nurses only read tests performed by SDHD.
  Tests from outside facilities will not be read.

 🔁 Two-Step TB Skin Test:

The second skin test is administered 7 days after the first test is read.

Qgold Plus Testing

Cost: $160.00

Billing Information:

We do not bill insurance directly. A receipt will be provided for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

Payment:

Full payment is required before services are rendered.

Follow-Up Care:

If your test result is positive, please follow up with your Primary Care Provider (PCP). If you do not have a provider, SDHD will assist you in getting set up with one.

Click here to schedule 

TB Cases Over the Years

• 2024: 1 case

• 2023: 4 cases

• 2022: 4 cases

• 2021: 6 cases