The Middlesex County Tuberculosis Control Program focus is to treat, prevent and reduce the spread of Tuberculosis (TB) in the community. This is accomplished by monitoring all reported suspects/cases both in the private and public sectors. The clinic is a regional site for the NJ Department of Health to provide services in other counties that do not have the expertise in medically managing complicated cases.

To ensure completion of treatment, all active clinic cases are enrolled in the Direct Observed Therapy Program (DOT) as dictated by standards of care.

Contact interviews are done on all suspected cases to identify those in need of testing. TB disease contacts are required by law to be examined and tested at the TB Clinic. TB Testing, chest x-rays and prophylaxis treatment is also available for those who identified as high risk, referred from schools or private physician or contacts to a TB case. HIV counseling and testing are also offered to TB patients. The center is also providing a medical evaluation to all immigrants who require follow up upon entry to the U.S.

Pre-employment TB skin testing is available at low cost for Middlesex County residents by appointment only.

The Tuberculosis program also provides community support and education, responds to TB testing-related questions from school nurses and the public. Center provides expert consultation through the medical doctors to area physicians and hospitals.

About TB

Learn More About World TB Day

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease that can affect anyone at any age. It is sperad through the air from person to person. TB is not spread by shaking someone's hand, sharing someone's drink or by touching contaminated surfaces. When the germ is breathed in, it goes into the lungs. It may stay in the lungs or travel to other parts of the body. Not everyone that breathes in the germ will get sick. People that are ill from TB have TB disease.

TB generally affects the lungs, referred to as pulmonary TB. Other body parts can be affected; vital organs, lymph nodes and bones. This is referred to as extrapulmonary TB.

Signs and symptoms of TB include the following:

• Bad cough that lasts longer than three weeks
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or sputum
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Night sweats

Those that have been exposed to TB by breathing in the germ but are not sick and cannot spread it to others, are said to have Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI).

Individuals with LTBI are at a higher risk of developing TB disease if they have been exposed to TB within the past two years, have HIV or diabetes or are abusing drugs and alcohol.

Partners

For more information about Tuberculosis, visit one of our partners:

• New Jersey Department of Health's webpage for Tuberculosis Control Program
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's webpage for information about Tuberculosis
• World Health Organization
• Rutgers Global TB Center