Tuberculosis Control Program
The Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program is responsible for the management of TB care in Prince George’s County.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by germs spread from person to person through the air. TB germs enter the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. TB-infected persons can develop latent (hidden) TB infection or TB disease. TB disease usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other body parts including the brain, kidney or spine and can cause death if left untreated. Medications that can cure TB are provided to all patients.
Those with latent TB (infected but do not have symptoms):
- Are not sick as the germs are not active
- Can develop the disease in the future unless they receive treatment, and
- Cannot spread the TB germs to others
Those with TB disease:
- Usually sick as the germs are active
- May feel sick and weak
- May experience weight loss, fever and night sweats, coughing, chest pain and
- Coughing up blood, and can spread the TB germs to others
Services
TB Program staff meet regularly with patients with TB disease to watch them take their medications. This is called: Directly Observed Therapy (DOT). DOT is the standard treatment for all patients in Maryland with TB disease.
- Tuberculin skin tests and blood tests (*Testing is done on a provider referral basis only)
- Contact investigations (Not for routine school or employment
- Directly observed therapy (DOT) requirements
- Laboratory Tests
- Chest X-rays
- Education and Outreach Activities
- Physician evaluation
- Surveillance
- TB treatment medication
- Reporting and monitoring activities
- Nurse home visits
Clients
All Prince George’s County residents are eligible if they:
- have been diagnosed with suspected or confirmed TB disease,
- have been in contact with a person with suspected or confirmed TB disease,
- have a positive TB test and need a chest x-ray or other related TB services, or
- are at high risk of developing TB infection or TB disease.
Fees
There is no charge for any TB-related service at this time.
Staff
Staff members include:
- Physicians
- Registered Nurses
- Health Aides
- Radiology Technician
- Office Support Staff
Hours of Operation
Monday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 8:00pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
Appointments
All TB Control Program services are provided by appointment only. An appointment can be made by calling (301)583-3110 (TTY/STS Dial 711 for Maryland Relay).
Location
Cheverly Health Center
3003 Hospital Drive, Suite 3054 (3rd Floor)
Cheverly, Maryland 20785