Tuberculosis is caused by TB bacteria, which can reproduce and spread in your body, damaging tissue. The bacteria can attack any part of the body, but most often affect the lungs.
People with active tuberculosis disease usually feel sick and have weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. People with tuberculosis of the lungs usually also have a cough and chest pain and may cough up blood. Symptoms of tuberculosis disease in other parts of the body depend on the area affected.
People who have tuberculosis in their lungs can spread the bacteria to other people. It usually takes many hours in close contact with someone with tuberculosis disease to become infected.
People with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have dormant tuberculosis bacteria in their body. They do not feel sick and cannot spread the infection to others. However, people with LTBI need to receive treatment to prevent the disease from becoming active.
More information about tuberculosis is available from the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Testing available at the Western Service Center
The tuberculosis test (TST) requires two appointments, one on Monday and one on Wednesday. You will need to come to both appointments to complete the test. The test cost is $20 and is payable by cash or check. Testing is done by appointment only. Please call 952-891-7585.
Some people could need a TB blood test. This is also called an IGRA test. Dakota County does not offer this type of test. Dakota County only offers Mantoux/Tuberculin skin tests.
Reporting active or presumed active TB
A confirmed or presumed active TB case must be reported to the Minnesota Department of Health within one working day of identification. Both pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms of TB disease are reportable.
To report a confirmed or suspected case of TB disease, call the TB Prevention and Control Program at 651-201-5414 or 1-877-676-5414 or fax 1-800-296-0993. To ensure timely public health follow-up measures, report all TB cases by telephone or fax and not by mail.
Latent TB infection referrals
Dakota County Public Health does not have a dedicated TB clinic. Dakota County residents with a latent TB infection diagnosis qualify for county case management if they have been:
- Exposed to verified active TB disease within the last 2 years
- Are a child 5 years old or younger
- Are highly immunocompromised
- Have had a TB test conversion within a 2-year period and are uninsured.
Uninsured people will be referred to a partner clinic for diagnosis and treatment. Dakota County Public Health will cover one follow-up visit. TB medication will be covered under the TB medication program for eligible people, or there will be an out-of-pocket cost at the pharmacy for ineligible people. People with insurance coverage should receive diagnosis and treatment from a primary provider.
Free TB medication program
The Minnesota Department of Health provides free medications for people with TB disease and eligible people with LTBI. Eligibility requirements can be found on the state's website. Ask your health care provider or call Public Health at 952-891-7500.