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 affects 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. They can spread the bacteria to other people; however, 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. People with LTBI need to receive treatment to prevent the disease from becoming active.

Testing Available at Government Center

Tuberculosis testing is available at the Carver County Public Health Department. Please call (952) 361-1329 to schedule an appointment. The tuberculosis skin test currently costs $20.00.

If the tuberculosis test indicates infection, Public Health can assist in referring for follow-up care, as preventative treatment of LTBI is often recommended. IGRA or blood tests are currently not offered but referral help is available. If you need a blood test, especially for Refugee Health Assessment, please call. 

Tuberculosis Medication Program

As of July 15, 2019, there are new eligibility requirements for accessing latent TB infection (LTBI) medications through MDH due to budget constraints. Visit MDH's TB Medications Program Eligibility page for more information.

• Provider must submit patient insurance information with all prescriptions.
  • If patient is uninsured, patient must be referred to health insurance navigation assistance and insurance information submitted within the first month of treatment start.
  • If a patient is not legally eligible to receive insurance in Minnesota, document uninsurability on medications request form.
  • MDH reserves the right to decline program participation and refer the provider to use regular pharmacy channels.
• Vitamin B6 will only be provided if medically indicated.
• Treatment regimens using medications supplied by MDH must follow the Clinical Practice Guidelines: Treatment of Drug-Susceptible Tuberculosis, CID for treatment of LTBI or active TB disease.

Additional information on the treatment and management of TB can be found on MDH's TB Information for Health Professionals web page.