Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the communicable diseases that we screen, monitor and provide treatment for at Wilkes County Health Department. TB is airborne and spread through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs.

Symptoms

• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Productive cough longer than 3 weeks
• Weight loss, loss of appetite

Diagnosis

• Chest x-ray
• Physical exam
• Skin test
• Sputum for smear, culture and sensitivity