HEALTH ALERTS
CDC Health Advisory / Recommendations for TB Prevention and Patient Care During INH Shortage
Revised Illinois TB Administrative Code (10/2012)
Tuberculosis (TB)
What is TB (Tuberculosis)? Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an extremely successful pathogen, having survived for over 5,000 years. It is a contagious and potentially life-threatening disease transmitted through the air from someone having coughed, laughed, sneezed or sung the particles (droplet nuclei) into the air. During 1992-2000, TB rates in the United States decreased for U.S. born and foreign born persons; however, the decrease among foreign-born persons was less substantial. The case rate among foreign-born persons is seven times greater than among U.S. born.
The Tuberculin Purified Derivative (PPD) Mantoux test is only recognized test available to demonstrate infection. It is important for the test to be done correctly and for the results to be read accurately, as this will determine the course of evaluation and possible treatment for the patients.
Who's at greatest risk for infection and disease? Although anyone may become infected, the following people are at a higher risk:
- Individuals who have been in close contact with someone with active pulmonary or laryngeal TB disease.
- Individuals who are infected with, or at risk for, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
- Foreign-born individuals from countries where TB is common (Asia, Africa and Latin America).
- Individuals with other medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic renal failure, being below ideal body weight, on high dose corticosteroid or other immunosuppressive therapy, leukemias, lymphomas and other malignancies.
- Residents of long-term facilities such as nursing homes and correctional facilities.
- Medically under-served low income and minority populations.
- Individuals who abuse alcohol or intravenous drugs.
- Individuals who provide service to any of the high risk groups.
What TB services are available?
- Day and Evening hours are available Monday - Friday by calling 815-334-4500.
- 1 & 2 Step Mantoux skin testing for residents or individuals who work in the County.
- There is a $10.00 fee for Step 1 Mantoux skin testing.
- There is a $20.00 fee for Step 2 Mantoux skin testing.
- There is a follow-up for all office and referred positive skin test reactors including an evaluation, x-ray, sputums if symptomatic, physician visit(s), and clinic visits (medical treatment averages 9 months).
- If the positive skin test reactor resides outside the County, they will be referred to their County of origin for additional follow-up.
Tuberculosis Information Presentation (Spanish)
