Our Tuberculosis Services in North Georgia
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. TB is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While TB disease can be serious, it is preventable and treatable with proper medical care. Some people may have latent TB infection (LTBI), meaning they carry the bacteria but do not feel sick and cannot spread it. Without treatment, LTBI can develop into active TB disease.
Our Services
TB Screening & Testing
- TB Skin Test (TST) and TB Blood Test (IGRA).
- Testing services for individuals with TB symptoms or those exposed to someone with active TB.
- Screenings for healthcare workers, students, and high-risk individuals.
Evaluation & Diagnosis
- Clinical assessment for those with positive TB test results.
- Chest X-rays and laboratory testing to confirm TB infection or disease.
- Evaluation of individuals with symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss.
Treatment & Case Management
- Free medications for eligible patients diagnosed with latent or active TB.
- Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) to ensure effective treatment for TB cases, suspects and children <5 yrs of age with LTBI.
- Case management, including support from nurses and health professionals.
Contact Investigations & Prevention
- Identification and screening of individuals exposed to TB cases.
- Preventive treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) in high risk contacts to reduce the risk of developing active TB.
- Public health outreach and education to prevent TB transmission.
Education & Community Outreach
- Information sessions on TB prevention and treatment.
- Resources for schools, employers, and healthcare facilities.
Who Should Get Tested?
You may need a TB test if you:
✅ Have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB.
✅ Have symptoms of TB, such as a persistent cough, fever, or night sweats.
✅ Work in healthcare, correctional facilities, or other high-risk settings.
✅ Were born in or traveled to a country with a high rate of TB.
✅ Have a weakened immune system due to medical conditions or medications.
Please reach out to one of our county TB nurses if you think you might need to be tested.
How to Access Our Services
To schedule a TB test, evaluation, or consultation, contact the Health Department in your county of residence.
For more information about tuberculosis and how to protect yourself and others, visit the CDC’s TB Information Page.
Reporting
Reporting Requirements
In Georgia, all persons with tuberculosis (TB) must be reported immediately to the public health authorities, including County Health Departments, District Health Offices, or the State TB Program. Physicians, hospitals, laboratories, and other health care providers are required to report any of the following:
- Any person with confirmed active TB disease
- Any person presumed to have active TB disease
- Latent TB infection (inactive TB) in children under the age of 6 years
How to Report:
- Report cases electronically through the State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SENDSS)
- Call or fax to the North Georgia Health District Health Office, TB Program Coordinator. (Ph: 470-863-5700, fax: 706-529-5752)
- Call 1-866-PUB-HLTH (1-866-782-4584)