Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis, which usually affects the lungs, is preventable and curable, but many people still suffer from it. Some even die.

Human lungs with TB infection

TB Infection

TB germs are in someone’s body but aren’t making them sick, and they can’t make others sick.

10 human silhouettes, nine green and one blue

Treatment

With proper treatment, 9 out of 10 people who have a TB infection will avoid getting TB disease.

Human lungs with TB disease

TB Disease

Tb germs become active and multiply, making the person sick and able to pass the disease on to others. TB is curable.

Colorado flag with text, As many as 220,000 Coloradans carry the germs (TB infection)*, that can lead to tuberculosis (TB disease). There were 64 cases of TB disease in Colorado in 2016. *Tuberculosis Infection in the United Sates: Prevalence Estimates from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012

Am I At Risk?

You are at greater risk of having TB infection if you:

  • Lived in or come from parts of the world that have higher rates of TB disease.
  • Are around people who have TB disease.
  • Take medications that may reduce your risk of fighting infection.
  • Have conditions that weaken your immune system. These include diabetes, cancer, HIV or AIDS, and renal failure.

⚡ Be a Latent TB HERO!

🔍 Positive TB Skin Test?

If you got a positive TB skin test but have no risk factors or symptoms:

  • Repeat with an IGRA (QuantiFERON Gold or T-Spot)

🧪 Positive IGRA Test

🟢 Without Symptoms?

If your chest X-ray (CXR) is clear and you have no symptoms:

  • Encourage treatment for Latent TB
  • View prescribing guidelines (PDF)
  • If CXR is abnormal, contact the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE): (719) 583-4362

🔴 With Symptoms?

  • Contact the PDPHE TB Program immediately: (719) 583-4362
  • Order a two-view CXR

❗ Did You Know?

  • 1 in 10 people with latent TB will develop active TB
  • It costs 40× more to treat active TB (CDC, 2021)

💊 Treatment

Knock out Latent TB — it saves lives!

View treatment options (PDF)

  • Preferred course: Rifampin 600mg once daily for 4 months
  • Shorter regimens improve treatment completion (CDC, 2021)

📘 Need Guidance?

Need a refresher on reading TB skin tests or treatment algorithms? Access resources from PDPHE and the CDC

📞 Contact

Brenda Tracy, RN – TB Case Manager
Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment
101 W. 9th St, Pueblo, CO 81003
Phone: (719) 583-4362
Fax: (719) 583-4375
Website: www.pueblohealth.org

Tuberculosis Services   

  1. Testing and treatment for individuals with latent or active (contagious) TB.  
  2. Assists local healthcare providers with the diagnosis and treatment of latent (non-contagious) TB patients.   
  3. In cooperation with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s TB program, provide testing, daily treatment, contact investigation, and case management of patients with active TB.   
  4. At-risk population testing to reduce the burden of TB in Pueblo County.    

    

To schedule a Tuberculin Skin Test or blood test (Quantiferon Gold) appointment please call 719-583-4380

For more information about Tuberculosis Services please call 719-583-4362