TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is a communicable disease, and it 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, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

 

Lawrence County Health Department operates under a TB board delegated by the Lawrence County Commissioners.  TB tests are done each weekday except Thursday, for a cost of $20 per test.  Tests must be read within 48-72 hours.  If the first test is positive, a follow-up blood test, chest x-ray, and/or referral to an infectious disease doctor might be necessary.