Tuberculosis

Providers
Testing
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can get tuberculosis (TB), but some people are at higher risk than others. TB is a bacterial infection caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. It is not spread through casual contact. TB usually affects the lungs but can attack any part of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain.

There are 3 progressive stages of TB:

  1. TB exposure,
  2. TB infection, and
  3. active TB disease.

Not everyone infected with TB germs becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: inactive TB infection (also known as latent TB or LTBI) and active TB infection. If not treated properly, active TB can be fatal. Certain groups of people, such as those with weakened immune systems, are at a very high risk of developing TB disease once infected.

Signs & Symptoms of TB

TB Signs and Symptoms_Coughing
  • Coughing for more than 3 weeks
  • Coughing up blood
TB Signs and Symptoms_Fever
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Night sweats
TB Signs and Symptoms_Weight Loss
  • Unintentional weight loss

TB PROGRAM SERVICES

The Snohomish County Health Department Tuberculosis Program provides: 

  • Diagnosis and treatment of individuals who either have or may have active TB 
  • TB testing to people who have been exposed to active TB 
  • Case management for people diagnosed with active TB 
  • Education about TB for clients, family members, and community
  • Consultation to health care providers in the community