Tuberculosis/TB
Goal
Tuberculosis (TB) program works every day to prevent the spread of TB in our community. TB control plays a vital role in public health.
How does the TB Program work?
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active TB disease are reportable conditions in Kansas. If you are a Wyandotte County resident with a positive TB test and possible TB disease, your healthcare provider and laboratory must notify public health. Our program will follow up with you. All information will be kept confidential.
Our TB nurses work closely with individuals and their healthcare providers to ensure that people with active TB disease complete their entire course of treatment. Our staff also identifies the contacts of people with active diseases and gets them the testing and treatment they need.
The TB program provides education and encourages all people with latent TB infection to get treated, so they won't develop the disease and possibly spread the infection to others.
What is the difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease?
Who is eligible for TB Services?
Treatment
Wyandotte County residents with TB disease or TB infection are eligible for treatment through our program. In some special situations, our program provides treatment for non-residents, including people who work or visit here.
Testing
Anyone can get a TB test through our health department laboratory. Note: TB testing may not be appropriate for people who have a documented past positive TB test.
How much do TB Services cost?
Medications are provided at no cost for individuals with active disease or TB infection. TB testing and evaluation are provided at no cost to people with recent exposure (close contact) to a person with active TB disease. TB testing for any other reason (including school, work, or immigration) is offered through the health department's laboratory for a fee.
Tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) and blood tests are available.
For Healthcare Providers
Active TB cases (confirmed or suspected) are reportable to public health by phone within (4) hours. TB infection is reportable within (24) hours.
Kansas State Statute (K.S.A)
| Chapter # |
Chapter Title |
Article # |
Article Title |
Section(s) |
| 65 |
Public Health |
I |
Secretary of Health & Environment, Activities |
65-118, 65-1, 164,
65-1, 244 |