Select Page

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that most often affects the lungs but can attack any part of the body. It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide but is less common in the United States. It is a curable disease, but treatment takes many months.

A tuberculosis infection does not always mean that you will get will sick. There are two forms of TB:

  • Latent TB infection—TB bacteria can live in your body without making you sick. Your body is able to fight the bacteria and prevent it from growing. If you have a latent infection, you do not have symptoms and cannot spread the disease. However, your TB infection is at risk of becoming active TB disease if you do not get treatment.
  • Active TB disease—TB bacteria are active in your body and your immune system is not able to stop the bacteria from growing. You have symptoms, usually feel sick, and can spread the bacteria to others.

Both forms of tuberculosis need treatment. Treatment is available through the Hays County Local Health Department.

 Testing

TB testing is available through the Christus Trinity Clinic located at 401 Broadway in San Marcos. Walk-in skin tests are available every day except for Thursdays for a cost of $15.

Reporting and Referrals

  • To report or refer a patient for TB testing and/or treatment, please complete this form and fax it to 512-393-5530
  • Call 515-393-5569 to speak to the TB case manager

 Resources

CDC Tuberculosis information

Tuberculosis Risk Assessment tool

 Contact

 

 

Hays County