Tuberculosis

The KCPHD clinic provides tuberculin skin testing, diagnosis of tuberculosis infection and active disease, and referral to a primary care provider for further treatment if necessary. Some types of jobs require TB testing. The cost of a tuberculin skin test is $73, but many people qualify for a reduced fee based on income. For Appointments: (509) 962-7515

TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

How TB Spreads

TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

TB is NOT spread by:

• shaking someone's hand
• sharing food or drink
• touching bed linens or toilet seats
• sharing toothbrushes
• kissing

Facts

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world's deadliest diseases:

• One third of the world's population is infected with TB.
• In 2011, nearly 9 million people around the world became sick with TB disease. There were around 1.4 million TB-related deaths worldwide.
• TB is a leading killer of people who are HIV infected.

A total of 9,945 TB cases (a rate of 3.24 cases per 100,000 persons) were reported in the United States in 2012. Both the number of TB cases reported and the case rate decreased; this represents a 5% and 6.14% decline, respectively, compared to 2011.

Resources & Links

• Tuberculosis Fact Sheet
• CDC