Our Goal:
The tuberculosis (TB) program works every day to prevent the spread of TB in our community. TB control is a vital role of public health.
How does the TB program work?
Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active TB disease are both reportable conditions in Missouri. If you are a Platte County resident with a positive TB test and/or possible TB disease, your healthcare provider and/or laboratory are required to notify public health. Our program will follow up with you. All information will be kept confidential.
Our TB nurses work closely with individuals and their healthcare providers to ensure that people with active TB disease successfully complete their full course of treatment. Our staff also identifies the contacts of people with active disease and gets them the testing and treatment they need.
The TB program provides education and encourages all people with latent TB infection to get treated, so they won't develop disease and possibly spread the infection to others.
What is the difference between latent TB infection and active TB disease? Learn more below:
Latent TB Infection and TB Disease (CDC) | Spanish
Video: 5 Things to Know about TB (CDC)
Who is eligible for TB services?
- Treatment:
Platte County residents with TB disease or TB infection are eligible for treatment through our program.
- In some special situations our program provides treatment for non-residents, including people who work or visit here.
- Testing:
Anyone can get a TB test through our health department.
- Please note that TB testing may not be appropriate for people who have a documented past positive TB test.
How much do TB services cost?
Medications may be provided at no cost for individuals with active disease.
TB testing is provided at no cost to people who are identified as having recent exposure (close contact) to a person with active TB disease.
TB testing for any other reason (including school, work, or immigration) is offered through the health department for a fee. Tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) and blood tests are available. Please call the health department's main line at (816) 587-5998 for more details.
For Healthcare Providers:
Active TB cases (confirmed or suspected) are reportable to public health by phone within 4 hours. TB infection is reportable within 24 hours.
Missouri Reportable Diseases/Conditions Form
Tuberculosis: Tools for Healthcare Providers (CDC)
Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo)
Chapter 192 Department of Health and Senior Services