Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs but can impact other parts of the body. TB spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, speaks, or sneezes. The Duplin County Health Department offers testing, education, and treatment referral services to prevent the spread of TB in our community.

What Is TB?

There are two types of Tuberculosis:

• Latent TB Infection (LTBI): The bacteria are in your body, but you’re not sick and can’t spread it to others. However, without treatment, latent TB can become active.
• Active TB Disease: The bacteria are active and multiplying in your body. You may feel sick and can spread TB to others.

Signs & Symptoms of Active TB May Include:

• A persistent cough lasting 3 weeks or longer
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Chest pain
• Fatigue or weakness
• Night sweats
• Fever and chills
• Unexplained weight loss

Latent TB has no symptoms but still requires treatment to prevent future illness.

Our TB Services Include:

• TB risk assessments and screenings
• TB skin testing (PPD)
• TB blood testing (by referral or based on risk)
• Evaluation of TB symptoms and history
• Contact investigation (if exposure occurs)
• Referral for chest x-rays and treatment (if needed)

 Who Should Be Tested for TB?

• Individuals who have had close contact with someone with active TB
• People who have lived or traveled in countries where TB is common
• Healthcare or correctional facility workers
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV)
• Individuals who have abnormal chest x-rays or symptoms of TB