Tuberculosis Control & Prevention Program

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are two phases: latent infection and active disease. Active TB disease most often affects the lungs, but can involve any part of the body.

TB is transmitted through the air. Extended close contact with someone with infectious TB disease is typically required for TB to spread.

Common signs and symptoms:

• Cough lasting longer than three (3) weeks
• Unexplained substantial weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Chest pain
• Weakness

The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County (DOH-Charlotte) TB program collaborates with clinicians to ensure that persons with TB receive effective and timely treatment and that contact investigations are performed to minimize the spread of TB.

Information for Health Care Providers

In order to ensure the effective diagnosis, treatment, and management of Tuberculosis, DOH-Charlotte, TB Prevention and Control Program collaborates with clinicians and county health departments throughout Florida. These partners work together to guarantee that individuals needing TB screening or evaluation receive all necessary services and that patients with latent TB infections or active TB disease receive adequate, complete treatment.

The DOH-Charlotte TB Program offers the following services:

• Tuberculin Skin Tests (TSTs) and Chest X-rays including clearance letters for employees with positive TSTs.
• Disease surveillance.
• TB case management, which includes patient education, directly observed therapy (DOT), TB medications, incentives, and enablers to facilitate adherence to treatment.
• TB contact investigations.
• Education materials for providers and patients.
• Public health laboratory services.

For more information about TB, visit the Florida Department of Health website.