Doddridge County Health Department works with the West Virginia Division of Tuberculosis Elimination to manage, treat, control the spread of, and eventually eliminate tuberculosis (TB). DTBE’s intensive efforts over the last decade have successfully driven the rate of TB disease in West Virginia to one of the lowest in the nation. This program tests  people for TB, provides conducts chest x-ray clinics when needed, and provides the medical management and treatment to between to Doddridge County Citizens. All services are provided to individuals that are infected at no charge.

What is TB? Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal. TB disease was once the leading cause of death in the United States.

TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The bacteria are put into the air when a person with active TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

The Health Department test for TB initially through a PPD test (pictured above). Testing can be required due to a person being symptomatic or exposed to a person with TB. Employers and schools may also require a PPD due to the risk of spread of TB. Additionally some medication require a PPD due to lowering a persons ability to effectively fight TB.

You can find information about TB at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/index.html