Communicable Disease Nurse Teresa Reed, RN, with the Kosciusko County Health Department, confirmed today that there is one case of tuberculosis in the county, but the case is no longer contagious.

While a case is contagious, the infected individual is isolated to their home. Once testing confirms they are not contagious, the patient is allowed to resume their normal activities as their condition permits. To have isolation stopped, the case must have three consecutive sputum smears that are negative.

“KCHD is involved throughout the duration of a case of tuberculosis disease,” said Reed. “When healthcare providers suspect TB disease, cooperation begins with the providers and health department.”

Usually KCHD has about 20 suspect cases that are checked for each one case that is determined to be TB disease, Reed added. Currently there is also one suspected case that has testing in process to determine if they have TB disease.

TB disease cases are case managed by KCHD. Medications are obtained through a program with Indiana State Department of Health to ensure any individuals have the TB medication they need.

The worldwide standard for care of tuberculosis is to give the medications by directly observed therapy. Medications are prepared by the TB case manager and given to the patient, who takes the medications in the presence of the nurse. Medications for TB disease continue for six to nine months, and if there are complications the treatment can be longer.

A person with TB disease is ill from TB and is often contagious. There is also latent tuberculosis infection. After a case of TB disease is diagnosed, a contact investigation of the people who may have been exposed to the person while they are contagious is performed.

A person with latent tuberculosis infection may be given medication to prevent the person from developing TB disease in the future. There are several treatment options for LTBI. A new treatment being used at KCHD is a once a week medication regime that is given for 12 weeks by directly observed therapy. Other options include self administered daily isoniazid for nine months, or rifampin self administered daily for four months.

TB is an infectious disease that usually infects the lungs, but can attack almost any part of the body. Tuberculosis is spread from person to person through the air via coughing, laughing, sneezing or talking.

A person with TB infection will have no symptoms. A person with active TB disease may have any, all or none of the following symptoms:

• A persistent cough
• Constant fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Coughing up blood
• Night sweats

The KCHD is carefully monitoring the case and suspected case.