Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease that is caused by a bacterium (or germ) called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB germs circulate in the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. These germs can stay in the air for several hours, depending on the environment.
Common symptoms of TB can include fever, night sweats, chest pain, a long-lasting cough that produces mucus, and coughing up blood. They may also lose weight, feel very tired, and have a poor appetite. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine.
TB is the leading cause of death worldwide from an infectious disease and is still present in Larimer County. In Colorado, being born in a country with higher rates of TB is the biggest risk factor for active TB, followed by having diabetes.
TB Testing
LCDHE does not offer routine TB testing for low-risk individuals, even if it’s a requirement for school or work. Please call LCDHE for guidance at 970-498-6789 or email tbprogram@larimer.org.
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