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TB Services

Florida Department of Health in Hernando County

What Is TB? 

TB [tuberculosis] is a bacterial disease that most often infects the lungs. It dates back to Biblical days. TB is spread through droplet infection -- germs are spread through the air via laughing, coughing, or sneezing. A person who develops TB may become very ill; however with proper treatment TB is nearly always curable.

Services Available from the The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County / Health Center 

Globally, at least one person is infected with TB per second, and someone dies of TB every 10 seconds. The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County / Health Center's TB Program wants to help reverse that. Testing for TB, chest x-rays, medication for TB disease or infection, and directly observed therapy, a program designed to ensure infected persons take their prescribed medication are provided.

Signs and Symptoms of TB 

These are the classic symptoms:

  • significant weight loss
  • night sweats
  • cough
  • fever
  • shortness of breath
  • positive skin test

TB Tests 

Anyone can be tested, including adults, children, pregnant women, people with a cold, and those who have had Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) Vaccine.

Risk Assessment Consultation and Testing is performed by licensed and trained nursing staff.  The decision as to what type of testing is done is based on consultation with the staff.  Cost is determined by what type of testing is done.

TB Infection 

If someone's skin test is positive but the chest x-ray is negative, the person is said to be TB-infected -- but not considered to be contagious. Based upon the patient's age and risk factors, our TB doctor will order the appropriate medication

TB Disease 

If someone's skin test is positive but the chest x-ray is negative, the person is said to be TB-infected -- but not considered to be contagious. Based upon the patient's age and risk factors, our TB doctor will order the appropriate medication

TB Disease 

TB is treated with a number of special antibiotics administered over six to nine months. The TB germs are strong and slow to be killed.

To be treated your private physician must submit a referral and orders. The TB Program staff will order your medications, provide x-rays as needed and perform monthly blood and vision testing.

It's important for TB patients to follow the medication schedule. Failure to follow a regularly observed medication regimen can cause a more serious drug-resistant TB.

More Information 

  • Florida Department  of Health  in Hernando County  /  Community Health Center TB Program - (352) 540-6800